Twitch Responds to Disturbing Attack on Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna During IRL Stream

Twitch has issued a statement addressing the alarming incident involving popular streamers Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna, who were harassed and threatened during an IRL (In Real Life) stream at Santa Monica Pier on March 2. The attack has sparked widespread concern among fans and the streaming community about the safety of IRL streaming, both on Twitch and other platforms.

The Incident: A Fan Encounter Turns Dangerous

The three streamers were at Santa Monica Pier as part of a collaborative streaming marathon when they were approached by an individual who initially appeared to be a fan. However, the situation quickly escalated when the individual began aggressively demanding one of the streamers’ phone numbers. The encounter turned violent as the man started chasing the women, threatening to “kill them right now.” The entire incident was broadcast live, leaving viewers shocked and concerned for the streamers’ safety.

Twitch’s Response: Condemnation and Support

Over a week after the incident, Twitch released a statement to Rolling Stone, expressing its concern and commitment to supporting its creators. An unnamed Twitch representative stated that the company is “horrified” by the harassment and abuse targeting its streamers, whether it occurs on or off the platform. The statement emphasized that Twitch “cares deeply” about its creators and is actively working to ensure they are supported.

Twitch also confirmed that its safety teams are investigating the incident. However, the company did not specify whether it had reached out directly to Valkyrae, Emiru, or Cinna following the attack. This lack of direct communication has left some fans questioning the platform’s responsiveness to such serious incidents.

The Broader Issue: Safety in IRL Streaming

The attack on Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna is not an isolated incident. IRL streaming, which involves broadcasters filming themselves in public spaces, has long been associated with risks. Stream sniping—where viewers use live streams to track down a streamer’s location—has become a significant concern. In some cases, this has led to dangerous confrontations, harassment, and even physical assaults.

The dangers extend beyond public spaces. Streamers have also been targeted in their own homes, with incidents of swatting—where individuals falsely report emergencies to provoke a police response—leading to traumatic and sometimes fatal outcomes. The combination of public visibility and the anonymity of online platforms creates a challenging environment for streamers to navigate safely.

Valkyrae’s Call for Justice

In the aftermath of the attack, Valkyrae has been vocal about her determination to hold the perpetrator accountable. She has urged anyone with information about the suspect to come forward and contact the authorities. Given that the individual’s face was captured on the live stream, there is hope that law enforcement can identify and apprehend him. However, until an arrest is made, the streamers and their fans remain on edge.

The Future of IRL Streaming

This incident has reignited discussions about the safety measures needed to protect streamers during IRL broadcasts. While platforms like Twitch have implemented tools to obscure locations and delay streams, these measures are not foolproof. Streamers often rely on their own vigilance and the support of their communities to stay safe, but the responsibility also falls on platforms to provide robust safety protocols and resources.

For now, the streaming community is rallying around Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna, offering support and solidarity. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with IRL streaming and the urgent need for better protections for content creators.

A Call for Action

As Twitch and other platforms continue to grow, the safety of creators must remain a top priority. This includes not only improving safety features but also fostering a culture of respect and accountability within the community. The attack on Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna is a wake-up call for the industry to address these challenges head-on and ensure that streaming remains a safe and empowering space for all.

For now, fans and fellow streamers alike are standing with Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna, hoping for justice and a safer future for IRL streaming.