A French social media influencer, Raphaël Graven, known as Jean Pormanove, died during a livestream on the Australian-based platform Kick after enduring months of abuse. His death occurred on March 25, 2024, while he was broadcasting a two-week marathon, which had lasted over 298 hours. Graven, 46, reportedly suffered from a serious heart condition and was found unresponsive during the live stream.
The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked widespread outrage in France. Videos from the livestream depict Graven being subjected to severe physical abuse, including beatings and humiliation, alongside fellow influencers Owen Cenazandotti, 26, and Safine Hamadi, 23. Viewers allegedly encouraged increasingly degrading acts, contributing to a disturbing atmosphere of entertainment at Graven’s expense.
Investigation Launched Following Outcry
French prosecutors in Nice have initiated an investigation into Graven’s death, which includes a post-mortem examination scheduled for March 28, 2024. Authorities have seized digital equipment used during the broadcasts and are conducting interviews with individuals involved. A police spokesperson indicated that while nothing suspicious has been detected so far, the investigation is ongoing.
In the livestreams, Graven exhibited distressing signs of mistreatment. In one instance, he is heard crying out for help, stating, “call the cops,” after being hit by paintball pellets. Another video resurfaced after his death, where Cenazandotti and Hamadi seemingly discussed the possibility of Graven dying during the stream. They urged him to insist that if anything happened, it would be due to his poor health rather than their actions.
Just prior to his death, Graven sent a message to his mother expressing his discomfort and feelings of captivity. He stated, “I feel like I’m being held captive … I want to get out; the other guy won’t let me.” This message has raised further concerns about the influencer’s well-being and the environment he was subjected to.
Calls for Accountability and Regulatory Action
The incident has prompted calls for accountability from various sectors, including politicians and media figures. Clara Chappaz, France’s deputy minister for digital affairs, condemned the violence Graven experienced as “an absolute horror.” She has referred the case to Arcom, France’s media regulatory authority, urging them to investigate the platform’s role in allowing such content to be broadcast without intervention.
“Online platforms must uphold their responsibilities regarding the dissemination of illicit content,” Chappaz stated, emphasizing that such failures could lead to tragic outcomes. Criticism has also been directed at Arcom for not acting on previous warnings regarding Graven’s treatment, with some lawmakers questioning the regulator’s resources to manage such issues effectively.
Despite the backlash, both Cenazandotti and Hamadi have denied wrongdoing, claiming that the violence depicted in the streams was staged and acted out for entertainment. Their lawyer, Yassin Sadouni, stated that the scenes were scripted, aiming to clarify the nature of the content being produced.
In response to Graven’s death, Kick has announced that it is urgently reviewing the circumstances, including its community guidelines. The platform’s terms of service prohibit content that involves self-harm or excessive violence, yet many argue that these guidelines were not adequately enforced in Graven’s case.
As this tragic situation continues to unfold, the implications for influencers, streaming platforms, and viewer responsibility remain a topic of critical discussion. The investigation will likely shed more light on accountability within the digital space and the duty of care owed to individuals participating in such extreme forms of entertainment.
