Topics: News, World News, Social Media
A social media star was found dead in his home in France after being 'tortured' for 10 days on a livestream.
Raphaël Graven, 46, who is also known as Jean Pormanove, was found dead at his home in Contes, near Nice.
According to the BBC, Pormanove, who was known for extreme challenges, was reportedly subject to violence and sleep deprivation during the streams, and died in his sleep during one live-streaming event.
Clara Chappaz, France’s Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Affairs, said Pormanove was 'humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform', adding that the case has been referred to French media regulator, Arcom, as well as Pharos, where online content can be reported.
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Chappaz described the violence as an 'absolute horror', adding that Pormanove was 'humiliated' for months.
A spokesperson for Kick told LADbible Group in a statement: "We are urgently reviewing the circumstances and engaging with relevant stakeholders to investigate the situation.
"Kick's community guidelines are designed to protect creators, and we remain committed to upholding these standards across our platform."
"Our priority is to protect creators and ensure a safer environment on Kick," Kick Francais said on X.
Their full, translated statement reads: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jean Pormanove and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and community.
"All co-streamers who participated in this live broadcast have been banned pending the ongoing investigation.
"We are committed to fully cooperating with the authorities in this process. Additionally, we have terminated our collaboration with the former French social media agency and are undertaking a comprehensive review of our French content.
"Our priority is to protect creators and ensure a safer environment on Kick."
Meanwhile, Sarah El Haïry, France's High Commissioner for Children, shared comments on X.
In a translated post, she said: "I learn of the passing of the streamer #jeanpormanove. Horrifying.
"Platforms have an immense responsibility in regulating online content so that our children are not exposed to violent content. I call on parents to exercise the utmost vigilance."
An investigation has now been opened into Pormanove's death, with an autopsy also ordered by authorities.
Yassin Sadouni, who is a lawyer for one of two co-streamers seen allegedly abusing Pormanove, told BFM television that the streamer had cardiovascular problems and that the violence was not real, but 'staged'.
“All those scenes are just staged, they follow a script,” he said.
According to Reuters, French media have seen excerpts of the stream, in which Pormanvoe suffers blows, insults, strangulation, and being shot at with a paintball gun.
