Contes, France — The streaming community is in shock following the tragic death of French streamer Jean Pormanove, whose real name was Raphaël Graven. He passed away at the age of 46 while participating in a marathon livestream in Contes, France, a broadcast that had captured global attention for its extreme endurance challenges and controversial content.
Pormanove had been live on the platform Kick for nearly ten consecutive days, engaging in a stream described by viewers as filled with humiliation and physically demanding tasks. On the tenth day, he reportedly went to sleep and never woke up. Disturbingly, his body was discovered while the livestream was still active, sending shockwaves through his audience and prompting immediate concern from authorities and fellow creators.
Local authorities in Nice confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of his death. An autopsy has been ordered, though early reports indicate no immediate signs of foul play. Nonetheless, the circumstances of his broadcasts have sparked intense scrutiny. Clips circulating online allege that Pormanove endured “ten days and nights of torture” at the hands of fellow streamers, raising serious questions about exploitation and the safety measures—or lack thereof—within the livestreaming industry.
Before his death, Pormanove reportedly sent a distressing final message to his mother, describing himself as being “held hostage.” This revelation, combined with the extreme content of his broadcasts, has ignited outrage among fans and advocacy groups alike. In response, France’s Minister for Digital Affairs has tasked ARCOM, the nation’s media regulator, with examining the case. The incident has also been referred to Pharos, France’s national platform for reporting online abuse, to investigate potential misconduct.
The tragic loss of Jean Pormanove has sparked a broader debate about the dangers inherent in extreme livestreams. Observers point to a growing trend in online content creation, where creators sometimes undertake increasingly risky stunts to capture viewers’ attention. This case has highlighted the potential mental and physical toll such streams can impose, not only on participants but also on audiences who are exposed to graphic or harmful content.
Fans, fellow creators, and advocacy organizations have expressed deep sorrow over Pormanove’s death, while calling for greater oversight and protective measures on livestreaming platforms. Many argue that platforms like Kick and others must implement stricter guidelines and safeguards to prevent abuse, exploitation, and extreme challenges that can endanger creators’ health.
Jean Pormanove’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-intensity streaming and online performance culture. Beyond the personal tragedy, it has ignited urgent conversations about platform responsibility, creator welfare, and the ethics of live digital entertainment. As the investigation continues, the global streaming community is left grappling with the profound implications of this heartbreaking loss.