Twitch streamer and cosplayer Emiru was assaulted by a fan during a meet-and-greet session at TwitchCon in San Diego, leading to her criticizing event security and Twitch’s handling of the incident. The platform has responded by banning the individual and increasing security, but the event has reignited concerns about safety at such conventions.
The incident occurred on October 18, 2025, during TwitchCon in San Diego, where Emiru, whose real name is Emily Schunk, was participating in a scheduled meet-and-greet with fans. Video footage circulating on social media shows a tall man abruptly approaching her, grabbing her, and attempting to kiss her without consent. Her personal security guard quickly intervened, shoving the assailant away and escorting him from the area. The swift action prevented physical harm, but the emotional impact was significant.
In her first public statement on social media, Emiru described the terrifying experience, noting that the individual managed to bypass multiple security barriers to reach her. She emphasized that none of the TwitchCon staff immediately checked on her well-being after the attack. Emiru expressed disappointment that the assailant was not detained on the spot and only faced consequences hours later, after her manager insisted on action.
Twitch released an official statement hours after the incident, calling the behavior “completely unacceptable and deeply upsetting.” The company confirmed that the individual has been banned indefinitely from Twitch, both online and from future in-person events. Additionally, Twitch announced increased security measures at meet-and-greet checkpoints and additional personnel surrounding streamers for the remainder of the convention.
However, Emiru contested parts of Twitch’s account, alleging that the platform’s statement contained inaccuracies. She claimed that security did not immediately apprehend the man, allowing him to walk away freely, and that the response felt inadequate until her team pressured for accountability. This discrepancy has fueled criticism from fans and fellow creators, who question Twitch’s commitment to creator safety.
The assault has highlighted ongoing security challenges at TwitchCon, which has faced similar incidents in the past. Many female streamers have expressed reluctance to attend due to safety concerns, and this event has amplified calls for better protection measures. The convention’s environment, where fans interact closely with creators, can foster parasocial relationships that sometimes escalate into inappropriate behavior.
Beyond immediate security fixes, the incident raises broader issues about the streaming industry’s duty of care towards its creators. Twitch and other platforms may need to implement more rigorous protocols for in-person events, including enhanced background checks for attendees and improved staff training. The community’s outrage suggests that trust has been eroded, and systemic changes are necessary to prevent future occurrences.
Emiru has declared that this will be her last TwitchCon, urging other creators to reconsider their participation if safety improvements are not made. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures in digital spaces and the real-world implications of online fame. As investigations continue, the streaming world watches to see how Twitch will rebuild confidence and ensure a secure environment for all attendees.