Following backlash over Twitch’s earlier responses that appeared to downplay popular streamer Emiru’s assault incident at TwitchCon, CEO Dan Clancy has finally released a more thoughtful statement, admitting the platform’s failure. Yet despite promises for improvements in future events, fans aren’t ready to let it go just yet.
In an X (formerly Twitter) post on Oct. 24, Clancy took accountability for the “security incident” that happened during Emiru’s Meet and Greet at TwitchCon San Diego. Acknowledging Twitch’s mistakes, Clancy said: “We mismanaged our communications about the incident, and that includes the comments I made. I apologize to Emiru for all that took place.”
Clancy assured “a comprehensive review of overall event safety and security” and security 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 wrote in the same post.
Despite the apology, fans remain skeptical of Twitch’s promises. Clancy’s post attracted comments from users expressing frustration over the platform’s outrageously casual streamer safety guidelines, both online and at conventions. Not just the audience: Many prominent streamers, including QTCinderella, Valkyrae, Asmongold, Pokimane, and Lilypichu, had already announced they wouldn’t be attending TwitchCon San Diego this year, citing mounting safety concerns around the event.
On Oct. 17, the first day of San Diego, concerning clips of a man trying to grab Emiru by her face and kiss her during a Meet and Greet session surfaced online. She was quickly defended by her own security guard and led off to safety by her manager.
Later on Oct. 18, Emiru took to X to reveal that there were multiple TwitchCon Security staff at the scene “who did not react and let the guy walk away.” What’s more concerning is that a friend of Emiru claimed to have overheard security staff “joking” about not noticing the incident.
Emiru also called Twitch’s Oct. 17 statement of the man being immediately caught and detained a “blatant lie,” stressing that the accused was allowed to walk away at first and was caught after hours had passed since the incident.
Needless to say, the footage and Emiru’s statement have left fans fuming over Twitch’s nonchalant attitude toward streamer security, even at the year’s biggest events.
Clancy’s apology might be a start, but for most, trust won’t be rebuilt until the platform actually delivers on its promises.
