In a tragic turn of events, the French government has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Raphaël Graven, widely recognized as the online personality “Jean Pormanove.” Graven, who was 46 years old at the time of his passing, reportedly died in his sleep. This incident has sparked significant concern and scrutiny, particularly as it was reported that Graven had been livestreaming on the platform Kick shortly before his death.
France’s Minister of Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, Clara Chappaz, took to social media platform X to address the issue, highlighting that Graven had been “humiliated” and “mistreated” during his streaming sessions over the preceding months. Her comments reflect the distressing nature of the allegations against both the platform and the treatment he received from viewers and fellow streamers. In response, Chappaz confirmed that an investigation was already underway, signifying the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding this incident.
In the wake of Graven’s death, a spokesperson for Kick announced that the organization is “urgently reviewing” the circumstances related to the streamer’s untimely passing. They also expressed their condolences, stating they are working with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the investigation. The spokesperson emphasized the platform’s commitment to protecting its creators through community guidelines specifically designed for this purpose.
Further reports indicate that Graven had amassed a large following, with hundreds of thousands of fans across various social media channels. His last known event was a lengthy streaming marathon, during which he allegedly endured severe mistreatment, including bouts of physical violence and sleep deprivation, as reported by local news sources. His passing was noted to have occurred at his residence in Contes, a commune near Nice, which is situated in the South of France.
Chappaz did not mince words regarding the nature of Graven’s death and the ongoing violence he experienced; her statement labeled it “an absolute horror.” In addition to the judicial investigation launched, she has referred the issue to Arcom, which is the French media regulator, and to Pharos, a system dedicated to reporting harmful online content. This step signals the broader implications of the case, as it may shine a light on the responsibilities of online platforms in safeguarding their creators.
Adding a personal dimension to the tragedy, fellow streamer Owen Cenazandotti, who participated in the streaming marathon alongside Graven, made an emotional plea on Instagram. He urged followers to refrain from sharing footage of Graven’s “last breath,” showcasing a respectful acknowledgment of the sensitivity surrounding the circumstances of his death.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions about streamer safety and mental health, further emphasizing the need for accountability within content-sharing platforms. It raises essential questions about the pressures and potential hazards that come with online fame, particularly on live streaming platforms where community engagement can sometimes take a darker turn.
The investigation into Jean Pormanove’s death not only seeks to clarify the events leading up to his untimely demise but also aims to foster a safe environment for creators. It addresses the pressing need for stringent measures in managing the conduct of both viewers and fellow content creators in the fast-evolving landscape of digital media. As more information unfolds, it remains crucial for stakeholders, including social media platforms, to reevaluate their policies around the treatment of creators to prevent any future tragedies.
