Kick accuses French authorities of politicising streamer's death
12 hours ago Share Save Graham Fraser Technology Reporter Share Save
@jeanpormanove Raphaël Graven, also known as Jean Pormanove, died during a live stream on the Kick website.
The streaming platform Kick has accused French authorities of politicising the death of a content creator who passed away during a livestream. Raphaël Graven, also known as Jean Pormanove, was found dead in a residence near the city of Nice last week. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the Australian video platform, and French government minister Clara Chappaz said the state would take Kick to court to "stop the damage caused by the content involved in this tragedy". "This is not about creator safety, customer safety, or the well-being of the industry, but rather a politicised narrative that takes advantage of a tragic personal loss," Kick told BBC News.
And the streaming platform said it was "disappointed" the media were told about the minister's actions before it was. The BBC has reached out to the French government for a response. Mr Graven was known for videos in which he appeared to endure apparent violence and humiliation. The Paris prosecutor said this week its investigation would look into whether Kick knowingly broadcast "videos of deliberate attacks on personal integrity". Kick has now given more information, from its perspective, about the death of Mr Graven. It said the creator died during a "typical" livestream and, according to prior statements made by Mr Graven and the other participants, their content was "pre-planned and scripted". Kick said Mr Graven passed away in bed during the stream, and it said it has removed content showing his death. Kick also states it suspended all related accounts pending investigation, and said it cooperated fully with all authorities, including law enforcement, the regulatory body Arcom and the office of Chappaz.
'Correct the false narratives'