France probes death of Raphaël Graven amid abuse on Kick streams

French prosecutors have opened a judicial probe into the death of Raphaël Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, a 46-year-old streamer who died in his sleep during a live broadcast. Officials say the investigation will look into the events surrounding the feud-like streams on the Kick platform and the treatment he endured on air. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, and authorities emphasize there is no indication of foul play at this stage.

The incident unfolded in the southern town of Contes, near Nice, with Graven’s death reportedly discovered after a long night of broadcasts. A fellow streamer who appeared alongside him in recent marathons confirmed his identity on social media and urged fans not to circulate footage of his final moments. Prosecutors said the inquiry would also consider the broader context of the content and interactions that took place during the streams, including accusations of prolonged sleep deprivation and abusive behavior by other participants.

France’s digital affairs minister, Clara Chappaz, directly linked Graven’s experience to a pattern of abuse he endured during live streams, describing his treatment as an...