Twitch Slammed After Streamer Emiru Assaulted at TwitchCon

San Diego, California — Twitch is facing significant backlash following an incident at TwitchCon where popular streamer Emiru was assaulted during a meet-and-greet event. The incident occurred on the first day of the convention, with video footage showing a man attempting to grab Emiru’s face and kiss her without consent.

Emily-Beth Schunk, known as Emiru, 27, expressed her shock on social media, detailing how the man crossed multiple security barriers to reach her. ‘The man who assaulted me was allowed to cross multiple barriers at TwitchCon and even in front of another creator’s meet-and-greet,’ Schunk wrote. ‘It felt like TwitchCon staff present didn’t think it was a big deal.’

Schunk’s personal security reacted quickly to intervene, shoving the assailant away. However, she claimed that Twitch’s security staff failed to act in a timely manner, allowing the attacker to walk away. Amid the uproar, Twitch released a statement emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for harassment and confirmed that the individual had been permanently banned from the platform and the event premises.

In response to the incident, Twitch announced that it would boost security measures at the event by adding more personnel. Additionally, attendees are now barred from bringing any plus-ones. ‘We are coordinating with the impacted creator’s team and cooperating with any law enforcement investigations,’ the company stated.

Schunk labeled Twitch’s official response as a ‘blatant lie,’ claiming the assailant was not immediately apprehended. She stated that her manager had to press for action before the man was finally detained. ‘I didn’t hear he was caught until hours after he attacked me,’ she wrote.

Emiru is reportedly shaken from the encounter. In light of the incident, her manager has contacted the police and expressed intentions to press charges against the individual. Although Twitch plans to implement stricter measures moving forward, many in the streaming community remain skeptical.

The incident raises wider concerns about safety for female streamers at public events, echoing worries after the murder of a Japanese streamer, Airi Sato, earlier this year. In March, Sato was fatally attacked by a follower on the streets of Tokyo while she was livestreaming.

Numerous users on social media have voiced concerns over safety, demanding more accountability from Twitch. ‘This incident highlights an ongoing issue with Twitch’s safety protocols,’ stated one commenter. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office has yet to provide any updates on the incident as it evolves, leaving questions unanswered about the potential charges facing the assailant.