Kick could be hit with a penalty of up to $49 million after the death of French streamer Jean Pormanove, following what has been described as a brutal “ten days and nights of torture” broadcast.
On August 18, 46-year-old Raphaël Graven, better known as Jean Pormanove, died in his sleep while live on Kick. In the days prior, he had reportedly endured extreme violence, sleep deprivation, and forced ingestion of toxic products at the hands of two fellow streamers known as Naruto and Safine.
French politicians called the incident a national disgrace, with Clara Chappaz, France’s minister for digital affairs and AI, vowing to “promptly end this digital Wild West.”
Australian regulators warn Kick could face $49M penalty
Because Kick is based in Australia, French regulators had limited reach. But Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has now confirmed it is investigating, and warned of steep fines.
“This is a tragic case where someone has lost their life, and underscores how the creation of more extreme content, in this case involving actual violence, can have devastating, real-world consequences,” a spokesperson said.
The watchdog emphasized that platforms are legally required to safeguard users from harmful or criminal material and to enforce their own terms of service. Violations can carry penalties of up to $49.5 million.
“Platforms like Kick need to be doing more to enforce their own terms of use and minimise harmful content and conduct in streams to protect all users of the service,” the spokesperson added.
Instagram/jeanpormanoveKick could also face future restrictions under Australia’s new child-safety laws coming into effect in December, which may block users under 16 from accessing the platform.
Kick has banned the streamers involved in the broadcasts and cut ties with its French social media agency after backlash over promotional posts that used Pormanove’s image to sell merchandise.
Meanwhile, French police are still investigating. An autopsy concluded there were no signs of external or internal trauma, suggesting Pormanove’s death may have been linked to medical or toxicological causes.
This tragedy isn’t the only violent incident the platform has faced in recent weeks. On August 23, streamer Raja Jackson, son of UFC legend Rampage Jackson, went viral after storming a wrestling ring during a Kick-streamed event in California.
Raja was filmed punching wrestler Syko Stu multiple times while he appeared unconscious, triggering an LAPD investigation. Kick banned Raja shortly after the footage spread online.
