For the French online community and beyond, the shocking death of Raphaël Graven—better known to thousands as Jean Pormanove—has ignited urgent questions about the boundaries of online entertainment, the responsibilities of streaming platforms, and the dark world of so-called "trash streaming." At just 46 years old, Graven died during a live broadcast on August 18, 2025, after allegedly enduring ten consecutive days of torture, sleep deprivation, and the ingestion of toxic substances. His passing, captured on camera for a live audience, has prompted a judicial investigation and cast a harsh spotlight on the risks of extreme digital content.
Graven, whose online persona Jean Pormanove was synonymous with outrageous, physically punishing challenges, had become one of France's most-watched streamers, especially on the Kick platform. According to Le Monde and multiple news outlets, his content often featured violence, humiliation, and dangerous stunts—hallmarks of the "trash streaming" genre that has drawn controversy across Europe. In the days leading up to his death, viewers watched as Graven was spat on, kicked, shot with a paintball gun, and force-fed while tied up. The final marathon stream, which lasted ten days and nights, included repeated acts of physical violence and deprivation, as reported by BFMTV and The US Sun.
The moment of Graven’s death was as public as it was tragic. Followers, some of whom had been watching the marathon from the beginning, noticed the stream abruptly cut off after Graven was seen lying motionless on a mattress. According to NDTV, one viewer even witnessed a man throw a water bottle at the unresponsive streamer. Alarmed, viewers contacted the authorities, who found Graven dead at his residence in Contes, a village north of Nice. The news was confirmed by fellow creator Naruto, who often collaborated with Graven in his videos.
Police quickly launched an investigation, seizing equipment and video footage from the scene. Damien Martinelli, the local prosecutor, confirmed that several people present at the time of Graven’s death had been interviewed, but as of the latest reports, "these interviews did not provide any guidance as to the causes of the death." An autopsy was scheduled for August 21, 2025, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Authorities are also probing the broader context of Graven’s online activities. A separate, ongoing investigation—initiated in December 2024—examines alleged deliberate violent acts against vulnerable people depicted in online videos. Graven and another streamer, Coudoux, had previously denied being victims, insisting that the violence was staged to "create a buzz" and generate income.
The French government has responded with swift and pointed criticism. Clara Chappaz, the Minister for Digital Technologies, described the case as an "absolute horror" and confirmed that a judicial investigation is underway. Expressing her condolences to Graven’s family and loved ones, Chappaz stressed the legal obligations of online platforms: "The responsibility of online platforms regarding the dissemination of illicit content is not optional: It is the law. This type of failure can lead to the worst and has no place in France, Europe, or anywhere else." She also confirmed that the incident had been referred to Arcom, France's media regulator, and that she had contacted Kick for an explanation.
Sarah El Haïry, France’s High Commissioner for Childhood, echoed these concerns, calling the incident "horrifying" and urging parents to exercise vigilance: "Platforms have an immense responsibility in regulating online content so that our children are not exposed to violent content. I call on parents to exercise the utmost vigilance." The case has fueled a national debate about online safety, cyberbullying, and the adequacy of regulations surrounding extreme streaming content.
Kick, the Australian streaming platform where Graven found his largest audience, has also come under scrutiny. Known for its lenient moderation policies, Kick has rapidly gained popularity among young viewers and gamers since its 2022 launch, in part because it offers fewer restrictions than established competitors like Twitch. In a statement to BBC and other outlets, a Kick spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jean Pormanove and extend our condolences to his family, friends and community. We are urgently reviewing the circumstances and engaging with relevant stakeholders to investigate the situation. Kick’s community guidelines are designed to protect creators, and we remain committed to upholding these standards across our platform."
The phenomenon of "trash streaming"—where hosts perform shocking, dangerous, or humiliating acts for online donations—has a troubled history. The genre, which originated in Russia, was formally banned in that country in July 2024 due to mounting public safety concerns. Tragic incidents, such as the 2020 death of Valentina Grigoryeva (who died of hypothermia after being locked outside by her boyfriend during a livestream), have underscored the potential for real-world harm. Yet, the demand for such content persists, fueled by a digital culture that rewards spectacle and suffering with clicks, views, and money.
In France, Graven’s death has become a rallying point for advocates seeking greater oversight of online platforms. The case has highlighted the blurred lines between voluntary performance and coercion, especially when financial incentives and social pressures are at play. While Graven and his collaborators, including Naruto and Safine, insisted to police that their violent acts were staged and consensual, the reality witnessed by viewers was often indistinguishable from genuine abuse. Both Naruto and Safine were taken into custody in January 2025 on suspicion of violence against vulnerable people but were later released.
The controversy has also prompted reflection on the psychological impact of consuming and participating in violent online entertainment. Psychologists, such as Alena from Russia, have warned that "getting pleasure from watching violence is a mental disorder." Fans of trash streaming often cite the sense of community and "real emotions" as reasons for their engagement, especially in the isolation of recent years. Yet, as recent events have shown, the consequences can be devastating not just for the performers but for society at large.
As the investigation into Raphaël Graven’s death continues, French authorities, online platforms, and viewers alike are confronting uncomfortable truths about the cost of digital spectacle. The tragedy has made one thing painfully clear: the line between entertainment and exploitation, when crossed, can have fatal consequences.
