The French gaming and streaming community is in mourning following the shocking death of JeanPormanove, a popular content creator whose real name was Raphael Graven.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Graven, 46, was found dead at a residence in Contes, a quiet village just north of Nice. His passing has not only devastated fans but also sparked a national conversation about online harassment, platform accountability, and the darker pressures of internet fame.
Reports from local media outlets suggest that JeanPormanove’s final days were marked by disturbing challenges streamed live on the Kick platform. Several sources alleged that he had recently participated in a so-called “ten days and nights of torture” stunt—a broadcast that drew viewers but also generated alarm.
His sudden death occurred during one of these streams, when the live feed abruptly ended. Concerned viewers immediately contacted emergency services, leading police to the scene.
Government officials and members of the public reacted with shock and outrage. Clara Chappaz, France’s Minister for Digital Affairs, addressed the tragedy directly.
Calling Graven’s death an “absolute horror,” she emphasized that he had been “humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform.” Chappaz further explained that a judicial investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She also confirmed that she has referred the matter to Arcom, France’s broadcasting regulator, and filed a report with Pharos, the national platform for reporting online illegal content.
Her message was clear: online platforms cannot turn a blind eye to harmful or illicit activity. “The responsibility of online platforms regarding the dissemination of illicit content is not optional: it is the law,” Chappaz wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “This type of failure can lead to the worst and has no place in France, Europe, or anywhere else.”
Kick, the live streaming service where JeanPormanove frequently broadcasted, released a statement to the BBC expressing sorrow at his death. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of JeanPormanove and extend our condolences to his family, friends and community,” the company said, adding that it is currently reviewing the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Sarah El Hairy, France’s High Commissioner for Children, also weighed in, highlighting the dangers of violent or humiliating content being accessible to minors. “Platforms have an immense responsibility in regulating online content so that our children are not exposed to violent content. I call on parents to be extremely vigilant,” she warned.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have ordered an autopsy to determine Graven’s exact cause of death, according to AFP. While speculation swirls, officials have asked the public and media outlets to allow the investigation to proceed before drawing conclusions.
JeanPormanove had amassed over one million followers across his various social platforms, making him a recognizable figure in French gaming and online culture. Tributes poured in from fans and fellow streamers, with many highlighting his charisma, humor, and creativity. Fellow streamer Naruto mourned the loss on Instagram, describing him as a “brother, sidekick, partner.”
As the investigation unfolds, Graven’s death is forcing both audiences and policymakers to reflect on the ethical limits of streaming culture. His legacy will undoubtedly be tied not only to his popularity but also to the urgent call for stronger protections in digital spaces.
