IRL streaming is becoming more popular than ever among streamers today.
Although there are still warnings about avoiding streaming alone in isolated places due to potential dangers for female streamers, no one expected a recent incident to happen in a crowded spot with the streamers not alone.
Specifically, three well-known streamers, Cinna, Valkyrae, and Emiru, became victims of serious harassment while doing a week-long livestream marathon.
The incident took place at Pacific Park in Santa Monica when a man calling himself Russell approached and threatened them live on stream. At first, the streamers just listened as Russell sang, but then he turned to Emiru and asked for her phone number. When she refused, he got aggressive, moving closer and making threats. Seconds later, he lunged forward, continuing to harass the group. Luckily, the cameraman quickly stepped in between him and the three women, and security staff intervened just in time to stop him from getting closer. The three had to hide in a storage room for 15 minutes before the police arrived.
Footage from the livestream shows Russell was not a random stranger. He had been following the group for some time before approaching them. A clip even shows him taking a selfie with the streamers and cameraman, acting friendly before turning hostile. The streamers appeared visibly shaken in their latest broadcast, even breaking down in tears.
IRL streaming draws huge audiences but comes with serious risks. Over the years, many similar incidents have occurred, especially targeting female streamers who often face harassment, stalking, and even physical attacks live on camera.
