TwitchCon Security Concerns: Emiru’s Assault Sparks Outrage
TwitchCon has faced significant backlash following a distressing incident involving popular streamer Emily Beth ‘Emiru’ Schunk, who was assaulted during her meet-and-greet event at TwitchCon San Diego. The incident has not only highlighted the inadequacies of security at the event but has also ignited conversations about the safety of streamers and fans at conventions.
The Assault: A Disturbing Incident
During her meet-and-greet session, Emiru was approached by a man who bypassed the queues. He assaulted her by grabbing her body and face and attempting to kiss her. The shocking encounter was captured on video and quickly went viral, escalating public scrutiny of Twitch’s security measures.
Emiru expressed her bewilderment, stating, “I don’t understand how he was allowed to make it to me in the first place.” Her frustrations resonated with many, particularly as others pointed out that security personnel at the event failed to intervene, leaving her vulnerable in a crowded space.
Twitch’s Response: Attempting Damage Control
In the aftermath, Twitch released a statement claiming that law enforcement and event security were present and responded to the incident. They also highlighted that the assailant was banned indefinitely from all Twitch events. However, Emiru contradicted these assertions, revealing on her social media that Twitch staff provided no immediate support and that she didn’t hear about the suspect’s apprehension until hours later.
“I was not asked by Twitch staff what happened or whether I was okay,” Emiru explained. Her accounts of the event paint a picture of inadequate responsiveness and neglect from Twitch representatives.
Criticism of Security Practices
The incident has brought Twitch’s security practices under heavy scrutiny, especially given the heightened concerns leading up to the event. Prominent streamers like Valkyrae and QTCinderella had already announced their absence from TwitchCon due to security concerns stemming from previous events.
Despite pre-event warnings, many attendees were left questioning why adequate security protocols weren’t in place from the start. "It is insane Emi has to be harassed in real life for Twitch to start ‘taking things seriously’,” remarked fellow streamer Ludwig, highlighting the longstanding concerns within the community regarding safety.
CEO’s Comments: A Shift in Responsibility?
The situation worsened when Twitch CEO Dan Clancy, during an interview, suggested that streamers can control their communities while live-streaming, which many interpreted as an attempt to shift the blame onto Emiru. Viewers found this particularly jarring, stressing that it is unreasonable to hold individual streamers responsible for the actions of attendees at events.
This perspective generated outrage, with calls for Clancy’s resignation gaining momentum. Critics pointed to a track record of neglect towards streamer safety, ushering in a conversation that could redefine leadership at Twitch.
Emiru’s Stance: A Call for Awareness
Following the assault, Emiru declared her decision not to attend future TwitchCons, asserting that other creators should carefully consider their safety when attending events. She reflected on her sense of vulnerability, stating, “I did not feel cared for or protected,” and empathized with creators who might attend without personal security.
Her experience also led to unsettling comparisons with the tragic incident involving singer Christina Grimmie, reminding viewers of the potential dangers posed by such lax security protocols.
Pressing Charges and Moving Forward
Emiru confirmed in a subsequent livestream that she intends to press charges against her assailant, indicating her desire for accountability. The broader implications of this incident extend beyond her personal experience; they challenge Twitch and similar platforms to reassess their commitment to ensuring the safety of their creators and audiences.
As the fallout from TwitchCon continues to unfold, the community remains watchful, urging the need for demonstrable changes in convention security practices. The unfortunate events centered around Emiru’s experience serve as a critical wake-up call, prompting ongoing discussions about the necessity of safety and support in the ever-evolving world of streaming events.