Wubi News

Man threatens to kill Twitch streamers during livestream from LA

2025-03-04 18:00:23
Emiru, known online for her gaming and cosplay content, was targeted after refusing to share her phone number

Three US Twitch streamers say they're grateful to be unhurt after a man threatened to kill them during a live stream.

Cinna, Valkyrae and Emiru, who have millions of followers between them, had been taking part in a week-long marathon stream in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

A man who introduced himself as Russell appeared on their stream from Pacific Park, Santa Monica, and reappeared about half an hour later saying "I'll kill you right now" when Emiru refused to share her contact details.

Valkyrae, real name Rachell Marie Hofstetter, said they had spoken to Santa Monica police, who confirmed reports of an individual had made threatening statements.

Cinna, real name Brittany Lynn Watts, has 500K followers on Twitch and was recognised last year at the Streamer Awards as best female streamer.

In a follow up stream on Monday, she and Valkyrae became emotional as they spoke about what happened.

"It sucks that a marathon that was to highlight women streamers is unfortunately ending up on one of the worst things that can happen to a female streamer," Cinna said.

"We're very thankful it didn't end with one of us getting seriously hurt."

Cinna was named best female streamer at the 2024 Streamer Awards
Valkyrae said the women were OK but "in shock"

On Monday, Cinna said a clip from the stream, which has been shared widely online, "does not do it justice for how scary it was".

"It is an attempt on our life and we are taking it very seriously.

"He said he was going to kill us, he kept trying to get something out of his pocket. We had to run into a store screaming that somebody was going to kill us."

Valkyrae, who has 3.4m followers on Instagram, said she hopes it's a "learning for other streamers".

"It only takes one person, so be careful."

Posting on X, she also said what happened demonstrates the "harsh reality women live in" and hit out at online comments that it was staged to drive hits.

"Seeing accounts accusing my friends and I for faking this and blaming us instead of questioning the man's behaviour has been embarrassing to see.

"I've learned it doesn't matter how much I accomplish in this industry or how much I try to gain respect, some men will hate women and blame women no matter the situation."

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