**Title: French Streamers Sentenced for Abuse Leading to Online Personality's Death**
In a notable case that has sparked public outrage, two French livestreamers, Safine Hamadi and Owen Cenazandotti, have been handed suspended prison sentences for their roles in the abuse of 46-year-old Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove. The Nice criminal court found the pair guilty of violence and incitement to hatred, stemming from their treatment of Graven prior to his death on August 18, 2025.
The court proceedings revealed that Graven had been subjected to repeated humiliation and physical abuse during live broadcasts on the Kick platform over several days. Prosecutors indicated that while Graven's death was likely linked to his pre-existing health issues, including a fragile heart, the treatment he received during the streams raised serious ethical concerns.
During the trial, the defendants claimed that the abusive content was scripted and performed with Graven's consent. However, the court deemed the actions unacceptable, leading to Hamadi receiving an 18-month suspended sentence and a €5,000 ($5,770) fine, while Cenazandotti was sentenced to two years suspended and fined €15,000. Both streamers have also been prohibited from engaging in social media activities for six months.
Hamadi's lawyer, Tom Michel, described the conviction as primarily symbolic, expressing satisfaction with the ruling. He noted that his client recognized that some of the content was inappropriate and could not be defended as consensual or staged. Despite this, the court acquitted both men of more serious charges, including manslaughter and exploiting Graven's psychological vulnerabilities. Michel mentioned that Graven had previously informed police that he had consented to the stunts.
The case has drawn significant attention and criticism in France, particularly after clips of Graven enduring humiliating and violent challenges circulated on social media. Viewers were reportedly able to pay to influence the nature of the stunts, transforming the abuse into a profitable venture for the streamers.
The scandal escalated when it was revealed that the channel had been reported to authorities multiple times prior to Graven's death. Furthermore, Kick, the platform hosting the streams, faced backlash for promoting some of the content. French Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz condemned the treatment of Graven, labeling it as an "absolute horror."
In response to the incident, French regulators, including Arcom and the Paris prosecutor's office, have initiated investigations into the operations of the Australia-based Kick platform. Concerns have been raised regarding the platform's ability to effectively moderate content, particularly given that it employs only 75 moderators, none of whom speak French. Reports indicate that arrest warrants may be issued for some of the platform's management.
Financially, Graven reportedly earned approximately €265,000 from his streaming activities between 2021 and 2025, highlighting the lucrative nature of such online content. As the case continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the responsibilities of platforms in regulating content and the ethical implications of livestreaming in the digital age.
The verdict and the surrounding circumstances have ignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations on online content and the protection of individuals who may be vulnerable to exploitation in such environments.