Twitch under fire: CEO admits platform 'failure' in TwitchCon incident

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over the platform’s handling of an assault involving popular streamer Emiru at TwitchCon 2025.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Clancy admitted that Twitch “failed” both in preventing the incident and in its response afterward.

“We mismanaged our communications about the incident, and that includes the comments I made. I apologise to Emiru for all that took place,” he said.

According to PC Gamer, Emiru, also known as Emily-Beth Schunk, was taking photos with fans when a man reportedly emerged from the crowd, grabbed her, and attempted to kiss her without consent.

While her personal security quickly intervened, Twitch’s own security allegedly failed to detain the man until several hours later.

Emiru later called out Twitch on social media, accusing the company of lying in its initial statement that the man had been caught immediately.

She also criticised nearby Twitch staff for doing “nothing” to stop the attack.

Clancy’s earlier comments, suggesting the issue was “a reflection of society” rather than Twitch’s own shortcomings, drew heavy criticism online.

His new apology marks a clear attempt to repair the platform’s reputation amid growing concerns about safety and accountability at live fan events.

The company now says it is reviewing its security protocols and rethinking how it organises meet-and-greet sessions to ensure better protection for creators.