Jean Pormanove’s death on Kick live stream sparks debate on online safety

The death of French influencer Raphaël Graven, known as Jean Pormanove, aged 46, during a live stream on the Kick platform last Monday (18) shocked the digital community and reignited discussions about safety on social media with lenient moderation. The incident, which occurred in Nice, southern France, is under investigation by the local Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is examining potential crimes of collective violence against vulnerable individuals and the display of sensitive content online. Graven, famous for controversial videos involving humiliation and simulated violence, appeared unconscious in his final live stream, causing outrage and criticism of the platform’s policies. The tragedy highlights the challenges of regulating real-time content and the risks of platforms prioritizing freedom over safety.

Kick, launched in 2022, gained notoriety for its less stringent rules and lower fees for content creators, attracting influencers seeking greater creative freedom. However, Graven’s incident raises questions about how far flexibility can compromise user and viewer protection. The platform, with over 50 million users, now faces pressure to revise its guidelines.

• Details of the tragedy: Graven was in a live stream with other creators, Narutovie and Safine, when he was seen unconscious.
• Ongoing investigation: French authorities are analyzing whether there was intentional violence or negligence.
• Global repercussion: The case sparked debates about the responsibility of digital platforms.

Kick issued a statement through a spokesperson to international media, expressing condolences and stating it is reviewing the circumstances of the incident. The company emphasized its commitment to safety but avoided details due to its privacy policy.

Origin and business model of Kick

Launched in December 2022 by Australian entrepreneurs Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani, Kick emerged as an alternative to Twitch, offering better financial conditions for content creators. While Twitch retains 50% of influencers’ subscription revenue, Kick charges only 5%, attracting names like MrBeast, who recently held a charity live stream on the platform, raising $12 million for social projects. However, the company operates at an estimated $100 million loss since its inception, according to Forbes, reflecting the high costs of maintaining a streaming platform.

The founders, also owners of the online casino Stake, built their fortunes, valued at $2.8 billion each, in the cryptocurrency and virtual gaming market. Stake, founded in 2017, capitalized on the rise of bitcoin, and Kick followed a similar innovation-driven approach, focusing on streaming. The partnership with the Sauber Formula 1 team, which adopted the green and black colors of the brands, boosted Kick’s global visibility in 2024.

• Attractive fees: Kick retains only 5% of subscriptions, compared to Twitch’s 50%.
• Crypto market origins: Founders leveraged the bitcoin surge since 2013.
• Sports sponsorship: Presence in Formula 1 expanded the brand’s reach.

Despite its growth, the platform struggles to attract advertisers due to its lenient moderation policies, which have sparked controversies in the past, such as the display of sensitive content and debates with controversial figures.

Flexible rules and platform controversies

Kick stood out in the market for allowing greater creative freedom, but this approach has also drawn criticism. In 2023, Bloomberg reported that the platform hosted live streams with copyright violations, adult content, and even a debate with a proponent of extremist ideologies. At the time, the company promised to strengthen its moderation policies, but Graven’s case reignites the debate about the effectiveness of these measures.

Kick’s flexibility attracts creators who feel restricted by other platforms, but it also increases the risk of content crossing ethical or legal boundaries. Graven’s death, broadcast live, exposed the difficulty of monitoring real-time streams and raised questions about platforms’ responsibility to protect both creators and viewers.

• Sensitive content: Live streams with copyright violations and controversial themes have occurred.
• Pledge for change: Kick stated in 2023 that it would enhance moderation.
• Technical challenge: Monitoring live streams requires advanced technology.
• Public pressure: Cases like Graven’s increase demands for regulation.

The platform defended itself, stating that its guidelines aim to protect creators, but the incident may force a deeper review of its practices.

Reactions and impact on the digital community

Jean Pormanove’s death sparked grief among fans and content creators, with tributes on social media and criticism of Kick for allowing live streams involving simulated or real violence. Users reported that the stream’s footage showed the moments before the death or its discovery, intensifying debates about the exposure of sensitive content. The streaming community, especially in France, demands greater transparency from the platform regarding the case.

The Nice Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a thorough investigation, focusing on potential crimes of intentional violence and the dissemination of sensitive images. Pressure for stricter regulations on streaming platforms is growing, with French authorities considering measures to hold companies accountable for displayed content.

The tragedy also reignited global discussions about influencers’ mental health, as many subject themselves to extreme situations to attract audiences. Graven, known for humiliation videos, operated in a niche blending entertainment and provocation, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of streaming.

Kick’s future under scrutiny

Kick now faces a critical moment. The arrival of big names like MrBeast brought visibility, but incidents like Graven’s death could harm its reputation. The platform must balance its creative freedom proposition with the need to protect users and avoid controversies that deter advertisers.

The ongoing investigation in France could lead to sanctions or regulatory changes, especially if negligence by the platform is confirmed. Additionally, the case underscores the importance of real-time moderation technologies, such as AI to detect sensitive content, which Kick has not yet robustly implemented.

• Reputation at stake: The tragedy could drive away advertisers and users.
• Regulatory pressure: French authorities may impose new rules.
• Fierce competition: Twitch maintains leadership with stricter moderation.
• Need for innovation: AI tools could be a solution for monitoring.

The platform remains in the spotlight as the digital community awaits answers and concrete measures to prevent further tragedies.