French streamer Jean Pormanove, real name Raphaël Graven, has died while broadcasting a prolonged and abusive “challenge” on the Kick streaming platform, sparking outrage and official investigations in France and abroad.
The 46-year-old, known for his comedic gaming content and later extreme livestreams, was in the middle of a marathon broadcast lasting nearly 300 hours when he became unresponsive on August 18. Viewers who had been following the challenge noticed he had stopped moving, and the stream was ended shortly after. Authorities later confirmed his death.
The broadcast, described by officials as a “10 days and nights of torture” challenge, showed Pormanove subjected to repeated abuse. Acts caught on camera included strangulation, humiliation, forced ingestion of toxic substances, and sleep deprivation. Viewers were able to influence the ordeal through donations, often paying to trigger degrading or dangerous stunts.
The stream drew hundreds of thousands of views, but the final hours turned tragic when attempts to wake him failed. An autopsy has been ordered as part of a judicial inquiry into the circumstances.
French authorities have reacted with alarm. Clara Chappaz, Minister for Digital Affairs, called the case “an absolute horror,” stressing that platforms have a legal and moral responsibility to prevent such harmful content.The High Commissioner for Children has warned of the risks posed to minors exposed to violent livestreams.
Kick, the Australia-based streaming service that has been competing with Twitch, expressed sadness over the incident. The company announced it had banned co-streamers involved in the broadcast and pledged to review its content policies.
Critics, however, argue the platform has benefited from lax moderation and allowed a “trash streaming” culture to flourish—where humiliation, violence, and dangerous dares are broadcast for donations.
Regulators in Australia, where Kick is headquartered, have also raised concerns. Authorities are examining whether the platform breached digital safety rules and could face penalties.
Online, tributes poured in from fans who remembered Pormanove’s early career as a humorous content creator before he shifted to extreme performances. Many expressed sorrow at how audience pressure and platform competition may have driven him to increasingly dangerous stunts.
The case has drawn attention to a darker trend in live broadcasting. “Trash streams” first gained notoriety in Russia and Eastern Europe, often involving abuse, humiliation, or violence broadcast live for tips. Experts warn that the model creates perverse incentives, pushing streamers to escalate risk in exchange for money and attention.
Jean Pormanove had built a substantial online presence, amassing 669,000 followers and more than 35 million views before his death.