High-profile footballers have become embroiled in a scandal following Monday's death of prominent French streaming personality Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove.
Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola featured in videos during a controversial live broadcast that preceded the 46-year-old content creator's death at his residence near Nice.
The footballers' appearances in the stream have sparked intense scrutiny, particularly as allegations emerged that Graven had endured severe mistreatment during online challenges.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bradley Barcola sent messages of support that appeared on the stream
|PA
Whilst Barcola's representatives have moved swiftly to address the controversy, Aubameyang has remained silent on the matter.
PSG's Barcola has strongly refuted suggestions of involvement in the tragic events, with his representatives clarifying that footage showing him was filmed at the beginning of August.
JUST IN: Eddie Howe issues comeback plea to Alexander Isak but sends stark warning ahead of Liverpool clash
"Bradley was in no way present live that evening," his camp stated, explaining that the circulating video had been recorded several weeks before the tragedy occurred.
The forward's team emphasised that the footage was allegedly broadcast without his consent during the contentious stream.
Barcola's representatives told L'Equipe that he was amongst the first to respond publicly upon learning of Graven's death, expressing his condolences and sharing in the widespread grief.
The PSG player had previously donated a shirt and contributed £850 to a charitable fundraiser.
Post-mortem examination results released on Thursday have eliminated foul play in Graven's death, according to Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli.
The autopsy revealed no traumatic injuries, either internal or external, with medical examiners finding only minor bruising and previously healed lesions.
"The probable causes of death appear to be medical and/or toxicological," Martinelli stated, ordering additional tests to determine the exact cause.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
French streaming personality Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, died from unknown causes
|The prosecutor disclosed that Graven may have suffered from cardiac issues and was receiving treatment for thyroid problems.
These findings contradict earlier claims circulating in French media that suggested the streamer had died following "ten days of torture" involving sleep deprivation and consumption of harmful substances.
The streaming scandal has exposed the dark underbelly of "humiliation streams" where creators allegedly endure extreme abuse for viewer donations.
Reports indicate Graven faced slapping, strangulation, force-feeding and paintball attacks during broadcasts hosted by influencers Owen Cenazandotti and Safine Hamadi.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Harry Maguire declares he is going nowhere despite multiple approaches: 'I can't leave on any terms'
- Oliver Glasner admits it is 'no surprise' Eberechi Eze to leave as squad crisis looms over Crystal Palace
- Serena Williams shows off remarkable body transformation after shedding 31 pounds with new drug
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bradley Barcola both appeared during the stream with messages of support
|KICK
The controversial stream reportedly generated over £31,000 in donations from viewers who encouraged the mistreatment.
Kick, the platform hosting these broadcasts, announced immediate bans for all participants pending investigation outcomes.
The streaming service pledged a comprehensive reassessment of its French content following the tragedy.
France's digital affairs minister Clara Chappaz denounced the events as an "absolute horror", demanding platforms strengthen protections for vulnerable creators.