Misogyny Exposed: Twitch’s Top Female Streamers Face Backlash After Stream Sniping Incident

Three prominent female Twitch streamers—Cinna, Emiru, and Valkyrae—are currently facing a wave of online criticism. Some users on social media have controversially suggested that the women played a role in provoking a dangerous incident involving a stream sniper.

The controversy erupted during the conclusion of a week-long challenge known as the “sis-a-thon” at Santa Monica Pier. In an alarming encounter, a man approached the streamers and asked for Emiru’s phone number. When Emiru declined, Cinna exhibited concern for her friend by labeling the man as a stalker and positioning herself protectively in front of Emiru. The trio subsequently moved to a food stall nearby, but the unidentified man continued to hover around them, even after being turned down.

Feeling uncomfortable with the man’s persistent presence, the women chose to leave without purchasing food. The situation escalated further when the man approached once more, only to be confronted by an assistant named Emily, who asked him, “How f— desperate are you?” In response, Cinna promptly contacted security, while both she and Valkyrae ensured Emiru was shielded behind them.

The confrontation took a frightening turn when the man charge at them, shouting, “I’ll f— kill you.” It remains uncertain whether he was armed at the time. The women quickly fled the scene and ended their live stream. In a follow-up video, Cinna recounted how a store employee came to their aid, providing shelter until law enforcement arrived.

Misogyny in the Digital Age

Rather than extend support, many social media users have accused the streamers of overreacting to the alarming situation. Some have even suggested that the women were merely trying to gain more viewers. For instance, one user on X questioned, “Why are they milking this to the point it looks like they’re just putting it on for more extended views and to capitalize off of the trend of what transpired?”

Cinna, Emiru, and Valkyrae accused of milking content by X users — (X/@VIK19941)

In even harsher critiques, some claimed that the streamers had essentially instigated the confrontation. One individual on X remarked, “No one was going to kill you. You spurred a guy on saying you could take him; he reacted verbally. Women poke a bear and then act like a victim.” This sentiment reflects a troubling societal narrative that places undue blame on women for simply rejecting unwanted advances. According to the streamers, the man’s aggression followed Emiru’s rejection and his subsequent stalking of their group, perpetuating the notion that women can do nothing right in such scenarios.

Twitter attacks Valkyrae, Emiru, and Cinna after being stream sniped — (X/@Liberty_Vegan)

Despite their efforts to call the police and effectively escape from the threat, Valkyrae, Cinna, and Emiru found themselves blamed not only for the encounter but also for any perceived lapses in security. Critics suggested that, as popular figures on Twitch, they should have been more prepared for such incidents. This line of reasoning raises questions about societal expectations for women, especially when they engage in public spaces.

This situation echoes a broader cultural discourse regarding women’s safety; countless women have been advised to take self-defense courses and be hyper-aware of their surroundings simply to safeguard against male aggression. Blaming these streamers for their mere existence in a public venue, especially during a potentially dangerous encounter, exemplifies entrenched misogynistic attitudes.

Supporting the Streamers

Fortunately, not all online responses have been critical. Prominent Twitch streamer Hasan Piker emphasized the unique challenges women face in the streaming community, stating, “By virtue of them just being women, people constantly whip up their drama drums over and over again.” Piker condemned the culture that fosters misogynistic commentary and behaviors that leave women vulnerable to harassment.

Additional supporters within the streaming community have rallied behind the trio.Streamer YourRage labeled obsessive fan behavior as “weird, ” likening it to a form of sickness. Others, including Adapt and Pokimane, have openly defended the streamers, criticizing those who downplayed the seriousness of the incident.

Eventually, Valkyrae shared her perspective online, stating, “The fact that this man threatened our lives after being rejected while we were in a group, in public, and live on stream just shows the harsh reality women live in. This happens off-camera to women all the time.”

Valkyrae reacts to being stream sniped on X — (X/@Valkyrae)

While misogyny remains prevalent throughout online discourse, there are still individuals who stand firmly in support of Emiru, Valkyrae, and Cinna, challenging the toxic narratives that often arise against women.

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