French streamers avoid prison for abuse linked to viewer's death
Two French livestreamers were given suspended prison sentences for repeatedly abusing and humiliating a man during online broadcasts that preceded his death. They were cleared of causing his death but convicted of violence and incitement to hatred. The case has drawn attention to harmful behavior on streaming platforms.
The Nice court imposed distinct penalties, with Hamadi receiving an 18-month suspended term and a €5,000 fine, while Cenazandotti got a two-year suspended term and a €15,000 fine. Both face a six-month social media posting ban. Their lawyers noted the verdicts carry symbolic weight, with Hamadi's counsel stating his client acknowledged that some broadcast content crossed acceptable lines.
The case stemmed from a multi-day livestream on Kick, where the victim, who earned roughly €265,000 from streaming between 2021 and 2025, had reportedly consented to the stunts. Authorities cleared the pair of manslaughter, attributing his death to underlying health issues. The Australian platform now faces a formal investigation, and warrants have been issued for certain personnel.
This verdict could influence how streaming platforms moderate live content, as the distinction between consensual, scripted abuse and genuine harm remains legally murky. It may prompt regulators to impose stricter oversight on fringe broadcasters, potentially affecting creators who rely on shock-value content. For vulnerable viewers, the case highlights the psychological risks of such streams, while the suspended sentences might signal that courts are still calibrating appropriate deterrents for digital-era cruelty.