Twitch CEO Dan Clancy under fire after Emiru assault at TwitchCon 2025
When Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch addressed the shocking assault on streamer Emilia Cohen (known as Emiru) at TwitchCon 2025San Diego Convention Center, the incident quickly turned into a flashpoint for the whole streaming community.
On October 17, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center in California, Emiru was meeting fans during a scheduled meet‑and‑greet when a male attendee lunged at her, grabbed her face and tried to kiss her. Security stepped in, but the video of the attack exploded across TikTok, Twitter and Reddit within hours. The next day Twitch released a statement saying the attacker was banned for life and police were notified, yet the fallout has only deepened.
Background to TwitchCon 2025
TwitchCon, now in its 12th edition, is billed as the biggest gathering of live‑streamers, developers and fans. This year’s event was hosted at the San Diego Convention Center from October 17‑20, with an estimated 30,000 attendees. Organisers promised heightened security after several high‑profile harassment claims in previous years, but the planning fell short for Emiru, whose personal security team was barred from the venue due to a prior incident involving a stalker.
Details of the Assault
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the attacker—identified only by the venue’s security footage—charged at Emiru moments after she finished a brief Q&A. He gripped her cheek, leaned in, and attempted to kiss her before two staff members pulled him away. The episode was captured on several smartphones and made viral within an hour.
Emiru later posted on Twitter, “I didn’t feel cared for or supported by Twitch’s security personnel after the assault.” Her statement sparked an immediate wave of criticism from fellow creators who said safety protocols were “paper‑thin.”
Twitch’s Official Response
In an interview with Taylor Lorenz of The Washington Post on October 19, Clancy said, “The safety of our creators is a top priority. The challenge we face is a challenge in today’s society. It’s not limited to Twitch.” He added, “I care deeply about Emi. She’s a friend of mine. I want to see how we can support her.”
The company’s press release, dated October 17, outlined immediate measures: indefinite bans for the attacker, additional security staff on the floor, tighter check‑in procedures and the revocation of plus‑one passes for the remainder of the convention. Yet many creators, including Brittany Lynn Watts (known on‑stream as Cinna), canceled their own appearances, citing “security and safety” concerns.
Legal Perspective
California attorney Lindsay Gordon told The Verge, “Under California law, event organizers have a clear duty of care to ensure reasonable safety measures. If Twitch knew there were prior harassment risks involving Emiru and still failed to provide sufficient protection, that’s classic negligent security.”
Legal commentator Ethan Lam warned that Twitch could face a class‑action lawsuit if other creators come forward with similar grievances. A potential claim could allege breach of contract, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, especially if creator agreements contain specific safety clauses.
Community Reaction
Prominent streamers didn’t hold back. Zack "Asmongold" blasted Twitch on his Discord, saying, “The company only changes when public pressure forces its hand.” OTK member Tectone rallied support for Emiru, labeling the platform’s handling as “malpractice.” Even Nicholas Light, a mid‑tier creator, called for the entire convention to be scrapped, describing it as “a breeding ground for predators and parasocial weirdos.”
Meanwhile, a Twitter user @Awk20000 highlighted that Emiru’s contract may have forced her to appear, suggesting contractual obligations overrode safety concerns. The debate has widened beyond Twitch, prompting other platforms—YouTube, Ko‑fi and Facebook Gaming—to re‑evaluate their on‑site security policies.
Future Implications and What’s Next
Clancy promised a full review of security protocols, with a public report slated for early 2026. He also hinted at a new “Creator Safety Task Force” that will work with law‑enforcement and industry experts. The next episode of Lorenz’s interview with Clancy will drop on October 22, where she’ll press the CEO on whether Twitch will implement independent audits of its event security.
For creators, the incident has sparked a surge in private security bookings. According to a poll on the streamer forum “StreamerHub,” 62% of respondents now plan to hire personal security for any live‑in‑person events, up from 38% pre‑incident.
Key Facts
- Assault occurred on October 17, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center.
- Streamer Emiru (Emilia Cohen) was the victim.
- Twitch CEO Dan Clancy addressed the issue on October 19.
- Attacker banned for life; police notified.
- Legal experts warn of potential negligent‑security lawsuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the assault affect female streamers at live events?
It raises alarms that safety protocols may be insufficient for women who are often targeted. Many creators are now demanding private security and clearer contractual safety clauses, and platforms are being pressured to standardize protection measures at conventions.
What legal actions could Twitch face?
California law imposes a duty of care on event organizers. If evidence shows Twitch ignored known harassment risks, plaintiffs could sue for negligent security, breach of contract, and emotional distress, potentially resulting in a class‑action settlement.
What changes has Twitch announced for the rest of TwitchCon 2025?
Twitch added more security staff around creator zones, tightened backstage check‑ins, and revoked plus‑one passes. They also promised an internal review and a public safety report early next year.
Why was Emiru’s personal security team barred from the venue?
The convention’s policy prohibited outside security contractors after a prior incident where a private guard overstepped boundaries. Twitch decided to enforce that rule, leaving Emiru without her usual protection.
When will the full interview with Dan Clancy be released?
Taylor Lorenz’s interview with Dan Clancy is scheduled to premiere on her YouTube channel and podcast feed on October 22, 2025, where she will probe deeper into Twitch’s future safety commitments.