Raphaël Graven, better known by his online name Jean Pormanove, died during a 10-day streaming marathon on Kick. The 46-year-old French content creator was participating in what’s called a “subathon”—an endurance broadcast where streamers stay live for extended periods.
The death occurred on camera. Social media clips show Graven lying motionless for what viewers claim was 45 minutes before his co-streamers, Naruto and Safine, checked on him. Concerned viewers reportedly used donation messages to alert others in the room that something was wrong.
When co-streamer Naruto finally responded to viewer concerns, his first action was allegedly throwing a bottle at the unresponsive Graven. Only after getting no reaction did he approach to check on him properly. The stream continued briefly before Graven’s death was announced.
The marathon stream involved brutal sleep deprivation tactics. Participants were reportedly subjected to repeated wake-ups and physical challenges designed to keep them from sleeping. These stunts were part of the stream’s format, meant to entertain viewers while pushing the streamers to their limits.
Multiple clips circulating online show a pattern of rough treatment directed at Graven over months. The footage allegedly shows instances of physical violence and coercive behavior during previous streams. Some viewers claim Graven had mentioned having a heart condition and taking medication, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Text messages allegedly sent by Graven to his mother before his death paint a troubling picture. “I feel like I’m held hostage with their concept,” one message reportedly read. “I’m sick of it, I want to leave, but he does not want to let me, he keeps me from leaving.”
Kick launched in 2022 as an alternative to Twitch with looser content moderation. The platform, backed by stakeholders linked to online casino Stake, has marketed itself as more creator-friendly. But this incident raises serious questions about what kinds of content should be allowed.
French authorities typically order autopsies and open inquiries for deaths in unusual circumstances. Under French law, endangering someone’s life, failing to assist a person in danger, and intentional violence are all criminal offenses. If someone vulnerable is involved, penalties can be more severe.
Sleep deprivation poses serious health risks. Extended periods without sleep strain the cardiovascular system and impair cognitive function. Combined with physical challenges and pre-existing health conditions, the risks multiply dramatically.
No official cause of death has been released yet. Local authorities haven’t announced any charges or made public statements about an investigation. Kick has not responded publicly about what happened or whether any action will be taken regarding the channel.
