Twitch Under Fire Following Alleged Fan Assault on Popular Streamer Emiru at TwitchCon Meet and Greet

Twitch is under scrutiny following an incident involving popular streamer Emiru during a meet-and-greet at TwitchCon. The event took place in San Diego, where a man allegedly assaulted the streamer, whose real name is Emily-Beth Schunk, on the convention’s opening day.
Details of the Incident
On the first day of TwitchCon, video footage surfaced showing a male fan attempting to grab Emiru’s face and kiss her. In the video, Emiru, 27, recoils visibly as her personal security intervenes. The man reportedly crossed multiple security barriers to approach her.
Streamer’s Reaction
Following the incident, Emiru expressed her dissatisfaction with Twitch’s security protocols on a social media platform, stating, “The security in the clip who reacts is my own security.” She claimed that multiple TwitchCon security staff present did not take action to prevent the assault.
Twitch’s Response
In response to the incident, Twitch announced new security measures. They stated that additional personnel would be added, and attendees will no longer be permitted to bring plus-ones to events. Twitch has also confirmed the indefinite ban of the individual involved from both the convention and the platform.
Allegations of Inaction
Emiru has criticized the company’s statement as misleading. She asserted that the assaulter was not detained at the time and only learned of his apprehension hours later, suggesting her manager had to push for police intervention.
Future Actions and Concerns
Emiru plans to pursue legal action against the man, whose identity has yet to be disclosed. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office has not provided additional details regarding any charges. This incident raises alarms within the community, particularly given recent concerns voiced by female streamers regarding their safety at TwitchCon events.
- Airi Sato, a Japanese streamer, was tragically murdered in March, heightening safety fears among streamers.
- Concerns regarding personal safety have been echoed by several female content creators.
As Twitch examines its safety protocols, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by streamers in public settings. The community continues to seek a safer environment as discussions about harassment and personal safety intensify.