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A popular French internet personality, who was reportedly subjected to ‘ten days of torture’, shared poignant last messages with his mother before his tragic end was broadcasted online.
Raphael Graven, widely recognized as Jean Pormanove in the digital realm, was a significant presence in France’s streaming community, amassing over a million followers on social media platforms.
Despite his cheerful online appearance, he was said to be living a nightmare filled with brutal online challenges that included humiliation, violence, and risky stunts.
The popular Kick creator, 46, was found dead overnight on Monday, in bed at his home in Contes, near Nice.
He is believed to have passed away in his sleep during a live broadcast, following what friends have described as relentless ‘humiliation streams’.
French authorities have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances, and an autopsy has been requested. While officials have stated that there are no immediate indications of foul play, disturbing local media reports suggest Graven faced sleep deprivation, severe violence, and consumption of harmful substances leading up to his demise.
A few days prior to passing, Graven reportedly sent a sorrowful message to his mother, expressing feeling ‘held hostage’, and conveyed his weariness with the controversial broadcasts that had become his signature online.
His long-time collaborator, who streams under the name Naruto, announced his death on Instagram, paying tribute to his ‘brother, sidekick, partner’.
Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, was a pivotal figure in France’s streaming sphere, boasting more than a million followers across various social media networks.
The popular Kick creator, 46, was found dead overnight on Monday, in bed at his home in Contes, near Nice
It has been reported that a few days before his death, Graven sent a heartbreaking final message to his mother to say he felt as if he was ‘being held hostage’ and admitted he was ‘fed up’ with the controversial streams that had become his trademark
He pleaded with fans not to share clips of the disturbing live stream, where Graven appeared unconscious before being found dead in bed.
The streamer’s broadcasts had reportedly featured degrading acts including being slapped, spat on, grabbed by the throat, and pelted with objects – all played out in front of thousands of viewers.
France’s Minister for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, Clara Chappaz, condemned the ordeal as an ‘absolute horror’ and said platforms must do more to protect vulnerable creators.
Sarah El Haïry, the High Commissioner for Children, described the tragedy as ‘horrifying’, warning parents to remain vigilant about the violent content children can access online.
Kick, the streaming platform where Jeanpormanove built his following, said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by his death and promised to urgently review the circumstances.
‘We are urgently reviewing the circumstances and collaborating with relevant stakeholders. Kick’s community guidelines are designed to protect creators, and we are committed to enforcing them across our platform,’ a spokesperson told AFP.
The case has shone a harsh spotlight on the murky world of ‘humiliation streams’ in France, where creators allegedly endure extreme abuse for views and donations.
Two fellow streamers – Owen Cenazandotti, known online as Naruto, and Safine Hamadi, known as Safine – were previously questioned in connection with such content, but both were released after denying wrongdoing.
The pair were taken into police custody in January, but they were soon released as a Nice prosecutor said: ‘Both the people likely to be implicated and those who were victims denied the commission of offences.’
Naruto’s lawyer insisted his client bore ‘no responsibility’ for Jeanpormanove’s death, telling Le Monde: ‘We are awaiting the results of the investigation to determine the conditions of JP’s death and identify the responsibilities of each person.’
