An investigation into the death of Raphaël Graven, a 46-year-old renowned streamer, has shocked France and sparked discussions on online content responsibility. Graven, who was known for taking on extreme challenges, reportedly died during a live broadcast while under significant stress from sleep deprivation and bouts of violence, according to local media. His lifeless body was discovered in his home in Contes, located just north of Nice, stirring outrage and concern among fans and officials alike.
French government minister Clara Chappaz characterized the situation as an “absolute horror” and acknowledged that Graven had faced “humiliation” through his streams for months. The gravity of his demise prompted the government to initiate a judicial investigation into the matter. Chappaz has also called on Arcom, France's media regulator, to look into the streaming dangers posed by platforms like Kick, where Graven had garnered over one million followers.
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson from Kick expressed their condolences, confirming that they are conducting an urgent review of the circumstances surrounding Graven's death. The platform asserted that their community guidelines are crafted to protect creators, reassuring users of their commitment to uphold such standards.
The incident has drawn the attention of Sarah El Haïry, France's High Commissioner for Children, who described the event as horrifying and emphasized the importance of content regulation to protect younger audiences. She underscored the vital role of vigilant parenting in addressing such dangers.
The prosecutor's office has officially opened an investigation into the cause of Graven's death and has ordered an autopsy. Fellow streamers and close friends are urging fans to respect privacy during this difficult time, asking them not to circulate disturbing content related to Graven’s passing. As investigations continue, the discussion about the responsibilities of streaming platforms in safeguarding their communities intensifies.
