Twitch CEO Dan Clancy recently acknowledged failures in security protocols at TwitchCon 2025. The event was marred by a severe incident involving popular streamer Emiru, also known as Emily-Beth Schunk. While taking photographs with fans, a man assaulted her by attempting to kiss her without consent.
Incident Details at TwitchCon 2025
The incident occurred when the assailant bypassed barriers set up for attendee safety and approached Emiru during a meet-and-greet. Emiru’s personal security intervened, but Twitch’s security did not apprehend the assailant until hours after the incident. Emiru expressed distress over the situation via a social media post on October 18.
Emiru’s Reaction
- Emiru stated she was “shaken up” by the incident.
- She emphasized disappointment with Twitch’s response both during and after the attack.
- She claimed that Twitch’s assertion that the individual was caught immediately was “a blatant lie.”
In her post, Emiru stated that this would be her last TwitchCon after a decade of attending the event. The fallout from the incident initiated extensive discussions about safety measures within the Twitch community.
Community Response and Criticism
The incident sparked criticism from other streamers, particularly women who frequently face harassment from fans. Notably, popular streamer Pokimane publicly supported Emiru and hoped the situation would prompt Twitch to take security concerns more seriously.
Clancy’s Apology and Promised Changes
In light of the criticism, Dan Clancy issued a statement admitting Twitch’s shortcomings. He stated, “We failed, both in allowing [the incident] to occur and in our response following.” Clancy faced backlash for an initial interview where he suggested that the challenges of safety at events were societal issues, not unique to Twitch.
Later, he apologized for his remarks and committed to a detailed review of the incident. Clancy mentioned that Twitch aims to analyze various aspects of their event operations, from registration processes to security enhancements.
Future Security Improvements
As Twitch plans for upcoming conventions, Clancy assured that significant changes to security protocols will be implemented. He acknowledged the trust that attendees place in Twitch and reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment.
Clancy concluded with a promise for further updates on the steps Twitch will take to enhance event security, affirming, “We take our responsibility to keep you safe seriously.” This incident has underscored the pressing need for improved safety measures at gaming conventions.
