“Jean Pormanove’s mother breaks her silence after the French streamer’s death on a live broadcast. The tragedy raises concerns about online content and creator welfare.”
The online world was rocked this week by the tragic death of French streamer Jean Pormanove, who passed away during a live broadcast on August 18, 2025. Known online as Raphael Graven, the 46-year-old had been streaming for 10 days straight on the Kick platform when viewers became alarmed as his interactions with the audience abruptly stopped.
Pormanove was found dead in his bed with the camera still running, prompting immediate concern and a wave of online tributes. The grief-stricken mother of the streamer has since shared her feelings, calling him a man with “a big heart.” Speaking to RTL, she said: “He had brothers in Metz, but he found brothers in Nice. He was a family man, invited everywhere.”
The death has also prompted responses from his sister, who believes that her brother died from exhaustion. “I was very, very proud of what my brother became,” she said. “But I think he shouldn’t have died like that, that he died of exhaustion. What he went through is unacceptable.”
Pormanove had gained a significant following due to his extreme content, where he was often subjected to physical harm as part of his streams, including being slapped, force-fed, strangled, and shot with a paintball gun for the entertainment of his viewers. This disturbing content was a major factor in his rise to fame but also brought growing concerns about the mental and physical toll on the streamer.
His final livestream, which featured two other streamers, Owen Cenazandotti (Naruto) and Safine Hamadi (Safine), has come under scrutiny after his death. The two streamers had been previously questioned by police over accusations of mistreating vulnerable individuals during online events. Although Pormanove had denied experiencing violence during previous investigations, he had also admitted that much of the content was staged to generate buzz and attract viewers.
In the wake of his death, police have conducted multiple interviews with witnesses but have yet to determine the exact cause of death. An autopsy is scheduled for today (August 21), with authorities continuing their investigation. Prosecutor Damien Martinelli stated, “The death of Jean Pormanove and the violence he suffered are an absolute horror.”
The death has sparked outrage and concern, with French junior minister for digital matters, Clara Chappaz, condemning the violence. “The death of Jean Pormanove and the violence he suffered are an absolute horror,” she said, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of online content.
Days before his passing, Pormanove reportedly sent a final message to his mother, revealing how he felt like he was “being held hostage” by the demands of his humiliating streams. He confessed to being “fed up” with the way his content had evolved, hinting at the emotional toll it had taken on him.
Kick, the platform where Pormanove had been streaming, has expressed its sadness over the tragedy. A spokesperson said, “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.”
The tragic death has also raised awareness about the responsibility of online platforms to regulate content and protect creators’ well-being. Sarah El Hairy, France’s high commissioner for children, urged platforms to take action, emphasizing the potential harm of exposing vulnerable individuals, especially children, to violent content.
In a show of support, Canadian rap sensation Drake and popular streamer Adin Ross have reportedly pledged to cover the funeral costs.
As the investigation into Pormanove’s death continues, the tragedy highlights the dark side of online content creation and the need for greater responsibility in the streaming world.
