French authorities have initiated an investigation into the death of 46-year-old internet streamer Raphaël Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, who died during a live broadcast on the platform Kick. Graven was discovered unresponsive in his rented accommodation in Contes, near Nice, on August 18, 2025. The livestream had been running for 10 days, during which Graven was reportedly subjected to physical and psychological abuse by fellow streamers.

A disturbing video from the broadcast showed Graven lying motionless on a mattress, prompting viewers to express concern. The stream was abruptly ended, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. Authorities have not yet identified any suspicious circumstances, but a judicial investigation is underway.

Graven had over 500,000 followers across various social media platforms and was known for participating in extreme challenges that often involved humiliation and mistreatment. In December 2024, a report by Mediapart highlighted instances of abuse involving Graven and other individuals on Kick, leading to the temporary detention of two associated streamers, who were later released without charges.

French Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz condemned the abuse Graven endured, stating it was “humiliation and mistreatment for months.” She emphasized the legal responsibility of online platforms to prevent the dissemination of harmful content and has referred the case to ARCOM, the French media regulator.

Kick, a streaming platform founded in 2022, has been criticized for its lenient content moderation policies. The platform has stated it is “urgently reviewing” the circumstances surrounding Graven’s death and is engaging with relevant stakeholders to investigate the situation.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed discussions about the responsibilities of online platforms in regulating content and protecting creators from abuse.