Quick Facts

  • Defendants: Owen 'Naruto' Cenazandotti and Safine Hamadi.
  • Charges: Group violence, abuse of a vulnerable person, and broadcasting violent content.
  • Verdict Date: Expected August 5, 2026.
  • Prosecution Requests: Prison time, significant fines, and a complete ban from social media platforms.

French prosecutors have formally requested prison sentences for two streamers accused of subjecting Jean Pormanove—and another individual, Stéphane G.—to systemic abuse during live broadcasts on Kick. The case, heard at the Nice Criminal Court this July, centers on content produced between 2023 and 2025.

Prosecutor Maud Marty described the streams as a “system of human mistreatment,” arguing that the violence was not incidental but rather the primary focus of the broadcasts. The court heard that the streams included instances of slapping, kicking, whipping, hair pulling, and attacks with paintball guns and baseball bats.

The Prosecution’s Case

For Owen Cenazandotti, known online as Naruto, the prosecution has demanded a 30-month sentence. This includes 18 months suspended and one year to be served at home under electronic monitoring, alongside a €30,000 fine. Safine Hamadi faces a requested 18-month suspended sentence and a €15,000 fine. Beyond criminal penalties, prosecutors are seeking a permanent ban on the duo from publishing content on online platforms.

During the proceedings, Naruto maintained that the content was staged for entertainment purposes, telling the court, “We did good for a lot of people. We didn’t see the harm.” In contrast, Hamadi expressed remorse, stating he was “not proud” of his participation.

Clarification on Cause of Death

It is important to note that this trial does not address the cause of Jean Pormanove’s death. Pormanove, 46, passed away on August 18, 2025, during a marathon broadcast that lasted over 12 days. A subsequent autopsy ruled out traumatic injury or the involvement of others in his passing.

Despite the nature of the streams, Pormanove’s mother previously defended the streamers at her son’s funeral, claiming they had provided him with a “good life” and alleging they had only mistreated him once in a gym setting.

Ongoing Investigations

The legal scrutiny extends beyond the two defendants. Following the initial controversy and subsequent bans from Kick, members of the group resurfaced on Twitch under the name OGK Decoy. This led to a new investigation by French authorities regarding allegations of ongoing staged violence and humiliation. Police have since searched the group's streaming facilities and seized computer equipment.

Additionally, a parallel investigation is currently underway in Paris to determine the role and culpability of the platform Kick itself, specifically regarding potential financial ties to the streamers and the adequacy of its content moderation measures.

A final verdict for Naruto and Hamadi is expected on August 5, 2026.