A popular social media personality, known for his unconventional online content, tragically passed away following a live broadcast and a period of enduring extreme challenges, sleep deprivation, and consuming harmful substances.
Raphael Graven, also recognized as Jean Pormanove, was discovered deceased by authorities on Monday at his residence in Contes, Alpes-Maritimes, France. The Frenchman breathed his last on Sunday night.
The Nice prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into his demise. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted on the streamer’s body. Clara Chappaz, France’s Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Affairs, revealed that Pormanove had been subjected to months of humiliation and mistreatment on the Kick platform. She emphasized the ongoing judicial inquiry into the matter.
Chappaz stated, “The accountability of online platforms for circulating illegal content is not a choice but a legal obligation. Such failures can have severe consequences and are unacceptable in France, Europe, or elsewhere.”
Kick expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Jean Pormanove and assured that they are actively assessing the situation and cooperating with relevant parties. The platform reiterated its commitment to upholding community rules to safeguard creators.
Pormanove, renowned for challenging himself with extreme stunts, had amassed a substantial following of over 500,000 on social media. Reports from BFMTV indicated that viewers noticed an abrupt end to the live stream on Kick.
Allegedly enduring “10 days and nights of torture,” which involved sleep deprivation, severe physical abuse, and ingesting toxic substances, Pormanove was eventually cut off from the stream by another participant attempting to awaken him.
The streamer had courted controversy with live performances alongside fellow creators Naruto and Safine. Instances of Pormanove being restrained and force-fed, tackled in what seemed to be a basement, and subjected to objects being thrown at him were captured in videos.
Both Naruto and Safine were arrested in January on suspicion of violence against vulnerable individuals, including Pormanove and another disabled influencer who were allegedly humiliated during live broadcasts—a claim denied by the accused streamers.
In a heartfelt tribute to Pormanove, Naruto mourned his passing on Instagram, reminiscing about their partnership and urging respect for his memory. Naruto’s lawyer asserted that his client bore no responsibility for Pormanove’s tragic death.
