Sauber have stated that they are ‘saddened by the tragedy’ of the death of streamer Jeanpormanove, real name Raphael Graven. The 46-year-old regularly streamed on the Kick platform, which is the title sponsor of the Hinwil-based Formula One squad. Graven was taking part in a 10-day live stream when he allegedly passed away in his sleep, in front of the cameras. He was found dead in his home in Contes on Monday. An autopsy has been ordered by prosecutors, and an investigation into the death has been opened.
Kick has been one of two major sponsors attached to the Sauber F1 team since rebranding from Alfa Romeo at the end of the 2023 campaign, the other being Stake. The black and green liveries have adorned the Hinwil team’s cars over the past two years, but this partnership is set to end after the 2025 season, with Audi coming in and Revolut joining as the new title sponsor.
Speaking to PlanetF1, a Sauber spokesperson said: “We are saddened by this tragedy and trust KICK to take all necessary steps to uphold its safeguards and protect creators.”
Graven was sometimes physically assaulted and humiliated by his co-streamers on live broadcasts, with French media witnessing excerpts of streams in which he dealt with strangulation, was fired at with a paintball gun, and was doused in paint and oil.
The Kick platform has confirmed that the co-streamers have been banned from the platform. “Our priority is to protect creators and ensure a safer environment on Kick,” they wrote on X. “All co-streamers who participated in this live broadcast have been banned pending the ongoing investigation.”
Damien Martinelli, Nice’s public prosecutor, provided an update on the investigation on Wednesday. “Several interviews with people present at the time of the death have been conducted, but at this stage, they have not provided any guidance as to the causes of the death.
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“Numerous seizures of equipment and videos were made in order to clarify the events that occurred prior to the death and which may have contributed to it.”
Graven’s death provoked a reaction from within the French government. Clara Chappaz, minister for AI and technology, took to the X platform to voice her concern. “The death of Jean Pormanove and the violence he endured are an absolute horror,” she wrote. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
“Jean Pormanove was humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform. A judicial investigation is underway. I have referred the matter to Arcom and made a report on Pharos. I have also contacted the platform’s management to obtain explanations.
“The responsibility of online platforms regarding the dissemination of illicit content is not optional: it is the law. This type of failure can lead to the worst and has no place in France, Europe, or anywhere else.”