Streamer Emily-Beth “Emiru” Schunk has publicly criticized the streaming platform Twitch after a distressing incident at a TwitchCon meet and greet on October 17. This situation was exacerbated by a rise in harassment incidents particularly involving female streamers.

Video footage shared by fellow streamer shenAndygans depicts a large man forcing a hug and attempting to kiss Emiru during the event. Emiru’s security, whom she hired for the event, intervened just in time.

Quote from Emiru: “To tell you honestly, I am a lot more hurt and upset by how Twitch handled it during and after the fact.”

In a statement, Twitch labeled the event as “completely unacceptable,” banning the individual and stating they would enhance security at future gatherings. However, Emiru disputed their claims, asserting that Twitch did not respond adequately to the incident.

Emiru noted that the aggressor was allowed to leave freely and was only addressed after her team insisted on action. She also commented on the lack of follow-up from Twitch staff post-incident.

Further raising concerns about safety protocols, Emiru mentioned past instances where she and other prominent female streamers experienced stalking during events, underlining the necessity for improved measures by Twitch, especially with incidents increasingly coming to light.

This unsettling event has underscored the need for Twitch to restore trust among top creators, particularly as safety becomes a pressing issue in the gaming community.