"We failed, both in allowing it to occur, and in our response following": Twitch apologizes after Emiru assault at TwitchCon

The Vox Media Podcast Stage Presented By Smartsheet At SXSW - Day 2 - Source: Getty
The Vox Media Podcast Stage Presented By Smartsheet At SXSW - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Twitch continues to take a hit and is finally taking accountability. After a viral video showed popular streamer Emiru being grabbed without consent during a meet-and-greet at TwitchCon San Diego, CEO Dan Clancy issued a lengthy statement to acknowledge the platform's failure to protect one of its biggest creators.

On X (Twitter), Clancy wrote:

"First, I want to be upfront and take accountability for the security incident that occurred during Emiru’s Meet and Greet. It shouldn’t have happened and we take that very seriously. We failed, both in allowing it to occur, and in our response following. We mismanaged our communications about the incident, and that includes the comments I made. I apologize to Emiru for all that took place."

The Twitch CEO also assured that they are currently investigating the incident and other issues, as well as conducting a thorough probe into the event's security detail.

"What are we doing moving forward? For Meet and Greets, we’ve begun a complete analysis of the incident that took place, as well as other issues that came to our attention after TwitchCon concluded. We’re examining everything, from how we do sign ups, to the layout, to increased security controls."

Dan Clancy continued:

"We’re also doing a comprehensive review of overall event safety and security, and will be making updates for future TwitchCons. While we won’t be sharing all security updates for privacy and safety reasons, we will keep our community informed about changes that directly impact attendees."

He also acknowledged the growing concerns surrounding IRL streaming at TwitchCon, noting that while the platform has evolved, and IRL content has become a core part of Twitch, the convention must better accommodate a wide range of participants.

The Vox Media Podcast Stage Presented By Smartsheet At SXSW - Day 2 - Source: Getty
The Vox Media Podcast Stage Presented By Smartsheet At SXSW - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Dan Clancy said that they will provide an update in the near future as they also examine the venue and production staff to ensure they are better equipped for future events. He concluded:

"You put a lot of trust in us by attending TwitchCon, and we take our responsibility to keep you safe seriously. We know that TwitchCon means a lot to a lot of people, and it means a lot to us. Be on the lookout for more updates, and thanks for being a part of Twitch."

As of writing, the post has now garnered 687.6K views after only two hours since its publication. Scathing comments also poured in against the CEO, with one X user responding to the lengthy message with:

"Ain’t reading all that Dan, but it’s clear your a*s only wrote this because you’re scared of Emiru’s incoming lawsuit LMAO Have fun in court old man, and don’t forget to run 5 ads before the hearing."

Another one wrote:

"You forgot to write 'Effective immediately, I will be stepping down as CEO'"

Emiru blasts TwitchCon organizers following assault: "I'm obviously shaken up by what happened"

The statement comes days after popular Twitch streamer Emily-Beth Schunk, known online as Emiru, was assaulted at the recent three-day convention in San Diego. Videos that circulated online reveal a man walking briskly toward Emiru, who then grabs her shoulders and tries to kiss her. A security guard was then quick to push the man away.

Following the incident, Emiru took to her X to assure her fans she was safe, but also slammed the organizers for mishandling the event.

"The man who assaulted me was allowed to cross multiple barriers at twitchcon and even in front of another creators meet and greet to grab me and my face and try to kiss me. Fortunately he wasn't able to, but a lot of people have pointed out it could have been a lot worse!"

She further shared:

"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."

According to the San Diego Police Department, the incident of a man grabbing a woman and attempting to kiss her was reported, but "no arrests have been made at this time."

Edited by Gladys Altamarino