Two French streamers have been taken into police custody as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of Jean Pormanove, who died last year after what was described as “ten days and nights of torture” broadcast online.
Pormanove, whose real name was Raphaël Graven, died on August 18 at the age of 46 while livestreaming on Kick. French media reports say the days leading up to his death involved prolonged and extreme abuse during marathon broadcasts featuring fellow creators Owen ‘Naruto’ Cenazendotti and Safine Hamadi.
French media described the days leading up to his death as “ten days of torture,” involving fellow creators Owen ‘Naruto’ Cenazendotti and Safine Hamadi. The marathon broadcast reportedly included “extreme” physical violence, “deprivation of sleep,” and “ingestion of toxic products.”
The case has since become one of the most closely watched streaming-related investigations in France.
Cenazendotti and Hamadi have denied any responsibility, maintaining that the content was consensual. An autopsy previously concluded that Pormanove’s death was not directly caused by the intervention of another person. At the time, Pormanove’s mother also publicly defended the streamers during her son’s funeral, calling them “great people” who “never mistreated” him.
French streamers face multiple charges after Jean Pormanove’s death
Despite those claims, authorities have now taken both men into custody following a wide-ranging investigation. According to Le Monde, they are being held on multiple charges, including assault, incitement to hatred, abuse of a vulnerable person, and recording and broadcasting violent images.
“These measures constitute takeovers of police custody as part of the preliminary investigation initiated in December 2024,” the magistrate said in a statement.
Prosecutors first opened a probe into the group in December 2024, months before Pormanove’s death, after discovering footage allegedly showing him being insulted, struck, having his hair pulled, and being shot with paintball guns during livestreams.
As reported by Entrevue, custody in the case can last up to 48 hours, with the possibility of an extension if approved by judicial authorities. Investigators are now working to determine the full scope of the alleged offenses and whether the conduct seen on stream constitutes criminal acts under French law.
Instagram/jeanpormanoveAs of now, no formal charges have been filed.
The case has also reignited scrutiny of other groups linked to Pormanove. In December, authorities began investigating his former streaming collective, Lokal, after it reportedly resurfaced on Twitch under the name OGK Decoy. The channel, hosted by Gwen Cenazendotti, the brother of Owen ‘Naruto’ Cenazendotti, is accused of attempting to evade moderation while continuing staged violence and humiliation involving new creators.
French authorities previously sought to block Kick nationwide following Pormanove’s death, citing public safety concerns. However, a court rejected the request, ruling that such a ban would be disproportionate.
