French government demands answers over streamer's death

An investigation has been launched into the death of a French streamer known for extreme challenges.

Raphaël Graven, also known as Jeanpormanove, was found dead at a residence in Contes, a village north of Nice, prosecutors said.

The 46-year-old had been subject to bouts of violence and sleep deprivation during streams, and died in his sleep during a live broadcast, local media reported.

Confirming a judicial investigation was under way, French government minister Clara Chappaz described Mr Graven's death and violence he endured as an "absolute horror", adding he had been "humiliated" for months.

Sarah El Haïry, France's High Commissioner for Children, described the death as "horrifying".

"Platforms have an immense responsibility in regulating online content so that our children are not exposed to violent content. I call on parents to be extremely vigilant", she wrote on X.

The prosecutor's office confirmed it had opened an investigation into the cause of death and ordered an autopsy, the AFP news agency reports.

Jeanpormanove had more than one million followers across his various social media platforms and had built a strong community on Kick.

One of his co-creators, Naruto, announced Jeanpormanove's death on Instagram and paid tribute to his "brother, sidekick, partner," and asked people to "respect" his memory and not republish any clips showing him dead or unconscious.

Owen Cenazandotti, a fellow French streamer who appeared alongside Mr Graven in his recent streaming marathon, has asked followers not to share videos of his "last breath" in a post on Instagram.