Incident Summary
- Valkyrae is determined to identify the individual who harassed her and fellow streamers during a live IRL broadcast, calling for community assistance in gathering information.
- A troubling encounter at Santa Monica Pier unfolded as the harasser repeatedly requested personal contact details, engaged in inappropriate singing, and pursued the streamers while being streamed live.
- The prevalence of harassment against IRL streamers continues, as Valkyrae and Cinna found themselves in a precarious situation, leading them to seek police intervention after being stalked and chased by a viewer.
Twitch streamer Rachell ‘Valkyrae’ Hofstetter has taken a stand against harassment after a disturbing experience during a live IRL stream. This incident occurred on March 2, as part of the Sis-A-Thon, a week-long event featuring Valkyrae and Cinna that commenced on February 25.
During the March 2 stream at Santa Monica Pier, a determined stream sniper approached Valkyrae, Cinna, and Emiru. He persistently sought their phone numbers and, after being rejected, resorted to singing and theatrically lunging toward them. Despite their attempts to distance themselves, the individual’s behavior escalated, prompting intervention from security personnel and the streamers’ crew. This alarming episode was broadcast live, quickly gaining traction on social media and raising concerns among fans. Following the incident, Valkyrae and Cinna reassured their audience that they were safe but announced the premature conclusion of the Sis-A-Thon event.
In her March 3 stream, Valkyrae expressed her commitment to holding the harasser accountable, stating her intention to pursue every possible avenue to locate him. She encouraged viewers to contribute any relevant information that could assist in identifying the perpetrator. Cinna corroborated Valkyrae’s seriousness, highlighting that evidence suggested the individual had prior knowledge of their identities, supported by footage and images captured during the live stream.
Valkyrae & Cinna Discuss the Stream Sniping Incident
After the confrontation, Valkyrae and Cinna sought solace in a nearby store, attempting to escape the escalating situation. Although this provided temporary relief, the uncertainty of the harasser’s whereabouts left them feeling vulnerable. To ensure their safety, the streamers hid in a shed for approximately 15 minutes until law enforcement arrived.
Although IRL streams attract large audiences, they inherently carry significant risks. Numerous cases of harassment and stalking have plagued streamers, particularly women, who face increased threats from viewers exploiting the live-stream format. Notably, in 2023, a male assailant was apprehended in Thailand after pursuing Twitch streamer Justketh. Additionally, in 2022, another female IRL streamer experienced a distressing incident when someone snatched her phone during a broadcast, prompting widespread concern among her viewers.
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