Kick faces French inquiry following livestream death

The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a preliminary investigation into Australian-owned Kick after livestreamer Raphael Graven, known as Jean Pormanove, died in Contes, with authorities probing potential illegal services and compliance with European digital safety laws

French prosecutors have launched an inquiry into video platform Kick after the death of a 46-year-old man during a livestream in southern France that allegedly involved days of abuse and humiliation.

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed it had opened a preliminary investigation into the Australian-owned platform following the death of Raphael Graven, who streamed under the name Jean Pormanove. His death occurred last week in the village of Contes, near Nice, after a marathon broadcast that reportedly subjected him to violent and degrading treatment.

Authorities said the probe will examine whether Kick provided or facilitated illegal online services, particularly by allowing the broadcast of deliberate assaults. Investigators will also assess whether the platform complied with European digital service laws, which require companies to flag risks to life or personal safety to relevant authorities.

Kick’s French arm stated it would cooperate fully with investigators. However, the platform’s global management has not yet issued a public response to the prosecutor’s latest statement.

Under French law adopted in June 2025, operating an illicit online platform can constitute a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of €1 million if committed by an organised group.

Meanwhile, prosecutors in Nice are continuing a separate investigation into the circumstances of Graven’s death, focusing on potential charges of aggravated intentional violence. An autopsy was ordered last week as part of that process.

The case has also drawn the attention of France’s digital communication regulator, Arcom, which has opened its own inquiry into Kick’s operations. The French government has indicated it could move to tighten digital platform regulations further in light of the incident.