Twitch CEO Apologizes After Streamer Emiru Harassed at TwitchCon
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has publicly apologized after streamer Emiru was assaulted during a meet-and-greet at TwitchCon 2025, admitting the platform failed in both protection and response.
Key Takeaways
- Streamer Emiru was grabbed and attempted to be kissed without consent during a TwitchCon meet-and-greet
- Twitch security failed to immediately apprehend the attacker, despite multiple personnel being present
- CEO Dan Clancy admitted Twitch “failed” in both preventing the incident and their subsequent response
- The incident has sparked widespread criticism about event security for women streamers
The Assault Incident
Emiru (real name Emily-Beth Schunk) was taking photos with fans when a man emerged from the crowd, grabbed her, and attempted to kiss her without consent. Her personal security team intervened immediately, but Twitch’s security personnel didn’t apprehend the man until hours later.
In an October 18 social media post, Emiru revealed: “The man who assaulted me was allowed to cross multiple barriers at TwitchCon and even in front of another creator’s meet and greet to grab me and my face and try to kiss me.”
“I’m obviously shaken up by what happened and it’s not the first time I’ve dealt with something like this, but to tell you honestly, I am a lot more hurt and upset by how Twitch handled it during and after the fact.”
Industry Backlash and Response
The incident sparked days of condemnation across Twitch creator communities, with many women streamers highlighting ongoing security concerns. Popular streamer Pokimane responded to Emiru’s post, expressing hope that “this pushes Twitch to finally take our concerns seriously.”
Emiru declared this would be her final TwitchCon after attending for nearly a decade.
Twitch’s Official Response
CEO Dan Clancy initially faced criticism for comments suggesting the security challenge “extends throughout our society” rather than being specific to Twitch. In his latest statement, he apologized directly:
“We mismanaged our communications about the incident, and that includes the comments I made. I apologize to Emiru for all that took place.”
Clancy confirmed Twitch is conducting a complete analysis of meet-and-greet security, examining everything from sign-up processes to layout and security controls. The company plans to implement security changes for future conventions, with specific details to be announced later.
The CEO emphasized: “You put a lot of trust in us by attending TwitchCon, and we take our responsibility to keep you safe seriously.”
