Raphaël Graven, a 46-year-old French streamer known online as Jean Pormanove, passed away in his sleep while participating in a 10-day livestream event that captured his final moments on camera.

According to a New York Post report, Graven was found dead in a rented apartment in France, with his death confirmed by fellow streamer Owen Cenazandotti via an Instagram post. Cenazandotti described Graven as his brother and sidekick, urging fans not to share videos of the incident.

The livestream, which has since been deleted, showed Graven lying under a duvet on a mattress in an unusual position as other participants awoke and attempted to rouse him before ending the broadcast abruptly. Authorities from the Nice prosecutor's office have initiated an investigation, including an autopsy, though initial findings indicate nothing suspicious about the circumstances.

Streamer's Troubled On-Air History Exposed

Graven and his streaming partners were recognized for producing gaming content and undertaking extreme challenges, where he frequently became the target of pranks and physical acts. Resurfaced clips from previous broadcasts depict other men engaging in actions like hitting, strangling, and firing a paintball gun at him during live sessions viewed by thousands.

French government minister Clara Chappaz condemned the repeated mistreatment Graven faced, labeling it an absolute horror that highlighted failures in online content regulation. She emphasized that platforms must adhere to laws against disseminating illicit material, warning that such oversights could result in dire consequences and have no place anywhere.

Chappaz has escalated the matter to the French media regulator Arcom and the Pharos system for reporting problematic online content. Her statements underscore broader concerns about the accountability of streaming services in preventing the broadcast of harmful behaviors.

Platform's Guidelines Under Scrutiny

Kick, the streaming platform comparable to Twitch where Graven broadcasted, is conducting an urgent review of the events surrounding his death, including its own community rules. A spokesperson for Kick affirmed the company's commitment to maintaining standards that protect creators from various forms of harm.

The platform's terms explicitly ban content involving self-harm, excessive violence, or activities promoting illegal actions. Despite these prohibitions, Kick has faced prior allegations of allowing unchecked violent broadcasts, leading to increased oversight from authorities.

In December, Graven and another streamer named Safine Hamadi were briefly detained following an investigation into Kick's handling of violent content. Both individuals denied any misconduct and were released shortly after, according to reports from Le Parisien.

Tributes and Funeral Support Emerge

Fellow streamer Owen Cenazandotti shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, recalling their six years of collaboration and expressing profound grief over the loss. He specifically requested that people respect Graven's memory by avoiding the circulation of footage from his final moments.

Popular American streamer Adin Ross, along with rapper Drake, who both act as ambassadors for Kick, announced they would cover the costs of Graven's funeral. Ross described the situation as horrible and disgusting, calling for severe consequences for those involved and sending prayers to Graven's family.

Ross's statement on X highlighted the tragedy, noting that while funding the funeral cannot restore life, it represents the minimum they can offer in support. This gesture comes amid ongoing discussions about the responsibilities of platform endorsers in addressing content-related issues.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Abuse should never be normalized—even in entertainment. Viewers and platforms must be vigilant in recognizing when "content" crosses into real harm. If someone appears in distress or experiences violence on camera, reporting it should be a priority.

2. Platforms carry responsibility for enforcing safety rules. Sites like Kick must do more than publish rules—they must proactively detect and remove harmful content before tragedy strikes. Passive moderation can lead to irreversible loss.

3. Online fame comes with unseen mental and emotional tolls. Content creators often endure constant pressure to entertain, which may leave them vulnerable to manipulation or abuse. While safety steps can help, crime can happen to anyone—and the blame must never fall on the victim.

Why This Story Matters

This story is a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when online abuse is overlooked or dismissed for the sake of viewership. It emphasizes the need for regulation and ethics in internet broadcasting. The death of Jean Pormanove is not only a personal loss but also a wake-up call for digital creators, audiences, and policy-makers alike.

Conclusion

Raphaël Graven, who streamed under the alias Jean Pormanove, died at age 46 during a 10-day livestream marathon in France. He had long been subjected to on-camera abuse, including physical assault, before dying in his sleep, as confirmed by viewers and fellow streamers. Authorities have launched an investigation into his death, while public officials and supporters call for accountability from the streaming platform Kick. Archival footage displaying his mistreatment has reignited debate over the responsibilities of streaming services and the ethical boundaries of online entertainment. High-profile figures, including Adin Ross and Drake, have offered to support Graven’s funeral expenses. While his passing leaves a community in mourning, it also challenges how society safeguards individuals within the digital world.