Paris Prosecutors Open Criminal Probe Into Kick After Livestream Death

French prosecutors have launched a preliminary investigation into the Australian-owned livestreaming platform Kick following the death of French streamer Raphaël Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, who died during a 12-day livestream involving sustained abuse and humiliation. Authorities are examining whether Kick knowingly provided illegal services by broadcasting videos of deliberate attacks and if it complied with European digital services regulations, including obligations to report risks to personal safety. Graven, a 46-year-old army veteran, was subjected to physical and verbal abuse, including being beaten and having drywall and paint thrown at him, and was found dead while live on Kick. The investigation is also looking into criminal charges related to aggravated intentional violence, with collaboration between the Paris and Nice prosecutor offices. French digital regulator Arcom has also launched a probe, and the government has indicated it may tighten regulations if needed. Kick has expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with authorities amid intense scrutiny following reports, including those from investigative outlet Mediapart, which had alerted officials to Graven's mistreatment months earlier.