French Livestreamer Dies During Kick Broadcast, Sparking Safety Probe

French authorities are investigating the shocking death of Raphael Graven, a 46-year-old livestreamer known online as Jean Pormanove, who died while broadcasting on the Kick platform after days of on-screen humiliation and violence.

Videos show Graven being hit, doused in liquids, insulted, and even strangled during streams that drew significant audiences. An autopsy has so far found no clear traumatic injuries, with toxicology and medical causes now under review, but prosecutors confirmed he had pre-existing health conditions.

Still, the case has fueled outrage across France, where officials and citizens alike are questioning how platforms allow harmful content to be streamed live with minimal safeguards.

Clara Chappaz, France’s junior minister for AI and digital technology, denounced Kick’s lack of moderation as a “digital Wild West,” warning of sanctions if the platform fails to comply with safety rules. Regulators have since ordered an investigation and criticized Kick for briefly unblocking Graven’s channel after his death.