Kick has responded to the death of French streamer Jean Pormanove by banning co-streamers involved in his controversial broadcasts.
On August 18, 46-year-old Raphaël Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, died in his sleep while streaming on Kick.
In the days leading up to his death, he was reportedly subjected to “ten days and nights of torture” from fellow streamers Naruto and Safine. The alleged abuse included extreme violence, sleep deprivation, and forced ingestion of toxic products.
A day later, French authorities opened a judicial investigation. Clara Chappaz, France’s minister for digital affairs and AI, said Pormanove had been “humiliated and mistreated for months live on Kick” and criticized the platform’s lack of intervention.
Viral clips circulating on social media show Pormanove being hit, strangled, and shot at with paintball guns while live on stream.
Kick issues bans and launches social media review
Kick’s French account has now confirmed that all streamers who participated in the broadcasts have been banned while the company conducts its own internal investigation.
“We are committed to fully cooperating with the authorities in this process,” the platform said.
The company also announced it had ended its collaboration with its former French social media agency after facing backlash for posts that used images of Pormanove to promote merchandise. Kick says it is conducting a full review of its French operations to prevent similar incidents.
“Our priority is to protect creators and ensure a safer environment on Kick,” the statement concluded.
France promises justice after deadly Kick stream
The response has not silenced critics. Sarah El Haïry, France’s High Commissioner for Children, condemned Kick for failing to step in earlier.
“Platforms have an immense responsibility in regulating online content so that our children are not exposed to violent content,” she wrote on X.
Meanwhile, one of Pormanove’s accused abusers, Owen ‘Naruto’ Cenazandotti, has claimed he is now the victim of a “cyberbullying campaign.”
His lawyer announced that a complaint will be filed with the Paris Prosecutor’s Office’s cyberhate division targeting those who have harassed him since Pormanove’s death.
On August 20, Minister Chappaz confirmed “an investigation is underway into the alleged actions of the streamers following reports by Mediapart, conducted by the Nice judicial police service under various charges.”
In January 2025, Naruto and Safine were briefly taken into custody on suspicion of producing livestreams that exploited vulnerable individuals. They were released the same day.
“Justice will carry out its work to advance this investigation and to clarify the tragic circumstances of Jean Pormanove’s death… All platforms have the legal responsibility to remove clearly illegal content of which they are aware,” she explained.
“The largest platforms also have the new responsibility to combat systemic risks such as the protection of minors, public health, or the safety of individuals. Investigations are underway regarding some of them.”
Kick star Adin Ross has called for “severe consequences” following Pormanove’s death. Ross also said he had spoken with rapper Drake, and together they will cover the streamer’s funeral expenses.
FDA issues recall of Walmart shrimp over radioactive contamination risk