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High-profile streamer Emily-Beth “Emiru” Schunk has voiced strong criticism against Twitch following an assault she experienced at a TwitchCon meet and greet on October 17. The incident, captured on video, highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of content creators, particularly women, who frequently face in-person stalking and harassment from viewers.
Assault Details Emerge
During the event, a man reportedly approached Emiru, initiating a forceful hug and attempting to kiss her. A bodyguard, personally hired by Emiru for TwitchCon, swiftly intervened, pulling the assailant away. The man was then seen walking back into the crowd without immediate intervention from event staff, a detail Emiru later disputed in her statement.
Sharing her experience, Emiru stated, “I’m obviously shaken up by what happened and it’s not the first time I’ve dealt with something like this. But to tell you honestly, I am a lot more hurt and upset by how Twitch handled it during and after the fact.“
Twitch’s Response Under Fire
Twitch released an official statement calling the incident “completely unacceptable and deeply upsetting.” The platform claimed to have banned the individual from the convention, Twitch itself, and future in-person events, also asserting that security at meet and greets had been increased.
However, Emiru’s subsequent statement directly challenged Twitch’s narrative. She refuted the company’s assertion that the individual was dealt with “immediately,” calling it a “blatant lie.” Emiru recounted that the man was allowed to walk away from her meet and greet, and she only learned he was apprehended hours later, suggesting it was due to her manager’s persistent efforts rather than TwitchCon staff recognizing the gravity of the situation.
Furthermore, Emiru stated that TwitchCon staff did not check on her after the assault, adding to her disappointment regarding the platform’s handling of the incident.
Contractual Obligations vs. Creator Safety
The incident also brought to light a significant contractual dilemma faced by creators. A video clip shared prior to the assault revealed Emiru expressing her desire to cancel her meet and greet due to security concerns. However, her contract with TwitchCon reportedly prevented her from doing so without also canceling her other scheduled event at the convention. This highlights the pressure creators face to adhere to contractual agreements, even when personal safety concerns arise.
A Broader Pattern of Harassment
This TwitchCon assault is not an isolated event for Emiru or other high-profile streamers. In March, Emiru, alongside fellow streamers Valkyrae and Cinna, experienced on-camera stalking and death threats during a livestreamed event. Last month, reports indicated that prominent streamers, including Valkyrae, Pokimane, and QTCinderella, had publicly expressed anxieties and reservations about attending TwitchCon due to concerns over violent and obsessive viewers.
The repeated incidents underscore a growing problem within the streaming community, where the line between online interaction and real-world harassment becomes dangerously blurred.
The Path Forward for Twitch
Given the repeated warnings and Emiru’s stark criticism of the company’s post-incident actions, Twitch faces a critical challenge. The platform must implement more substantial, proactive security measures and foster a environment where creator safety is paramount. Rebuilding trust and goodwill with its most influential streamers will require tangible changes, demonstrating a genuine commitment to protecting its community from harassment and assault at live events and beyond.