Quick Read
- Emiru was assaulted during a TwitchCon 2025 meet-and-greet when a man tried to kiss her neck without consent.
- Security responded quickly; the assailant was removed and banned from Twitch events.
- No verified arrests have been made, despite rumors linking MarkyNextDoor to the incident.
- Twitch emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for harassment and renewed focus on creator safety.
For Twitch streamer Emiru, TwitchCon 2025 was supposed to be a celebration—a chance to connect with fans, share stories, and revel in the energy of a community built around gaming and creativity. But as the lights shone on the San Diego Convention Center stage, a moment meant for joy became a flashpoint for wider concerns about safety in the creator world.
What Actually Happened at TwitchCon 2025?
The incident unfolded during a fan meet-and-greet, a staple of conventions like TwitchCon. Emiru, whose real name is Emily Schunk, was approached on stage by a man who attempted to kiss her neck without her consent. Security responded swiftly, removing the individual before the situation could escalate further. Emiru appeared visibly shaken, and event staff escorted her from the stage to ensure her well-being (PrimeTimer).
The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. Outrage and concern erupted across social media, with thousands expressing support for Emiru and calling for better security measures at large-scale events.
Rumors and Speculation: Was Anyone Arrested?
Within hours, rumors began to swirl online about the identity of the assailant. Some speculated that the man involved was MarkyNextDoor, purportedly the bodyguard of rapper D4vd. However, the San Diego Police Department has not released any official statement confirming the identity of the individual or an arrest. Twitch, too, has refrained from confirming any arrest, but did announce that the assailant was “immediately removed from the event and banned indefinitely from Twitch both online and at in-person events” (Somos Hermanos).
Major media outlets have avoided asserting any link between MarkyNextDoor and the incident, emphasizing that speculation remains unsubstantiated. The focus, instead, has shifted to the broader issue of creator safety—a topic that resonates deeply with streamers and fans alike.
The Larger Context: Creator Safety at Conventions
This isn’t the first time Emiru has faced security concerns at a major event. During a livestream on October 17, 2025, she recounted a previous TwitchCon experience involving a persistent stalker. Emiru explained how her personal security guard intervened when a man repeatedly followed her around the venue. Although the guard acted to protect her, he was permanently banned from the convention for physically restraining the individual, even though no harm was done (PrimeTimer).
“I’ve had a security guard, two years ago, where there was a guy following me around TwitchCon, and he, like, asked him to stop. My guard asked him, the guy wouldn’t stop. So, he grabbed the guy, but he didn’t, like, hurt him. He was just holding the guy until, like, they called the con security came. And then, for some reason, they’re like, ‘Yeah, because your security guard touched him, he’s like, perma-banned from the venue forever,’” Emiru shared.
Her experiences mirror those of other creators, such as Valkyrae and Cinna, who have also faced unwanted attention or harassment at public events. The latest incident has reignited debate on how conventions balance attendee access and creator protection—and whether current policies do enough to safeguard those at the heart of these communities.
Official Responses and Community Reaction
In the wake of the assault, Twitch issued a statement reinforcing its “zero-tolerance policy for harassment” and promising to “maintain a safe environment for all attendees.” However, both TwitchCon organizers and local law enforcement have yet to release detailed updates regarding the identity or legal status of the individual involved.
For many, the incident raises uncomfortable questions: Are conventions equipped to handle the unique risks faced by high-profile creators? Is there a clear protocol for dealing with harassment, and do those protocols prioritize the safety of both creators and fans?
Social media has become a sounding board for these concerns, with creators and viewers sharing their own experiences and advocating for more robust security measures. Suggestions range from hiring specialized security teams to rethinking event layouts and access controls. Some have called for greater transparency from organizers when incidents occur—arguing that clear communication is essential for rebuilding trust.
Looking Forward: Can Creator Safety Be Improved?
As TwitchCon and similar events continue to grow, so does the responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety. The Emiru incident is a reminder that, while conventions are designed to bring people together, they can also expose vulnerabilities—especially for creators whose public personas make them targets for unwanted attention.
It’s clear that security measures must evolve alongside the changing landscape of online fame. This means not only responding to incidents quickly, as was the case with Emiru, but also anticipating risks and equipping staff to de-escalate situations before they become harmful. It may also require re-examining policies that punish those acting in good faith to protect creators, as Emiru’s story about her security guard demonstrates.
Until more information is released by authorities or organizers, the facts remain unchanged: Emiru was assaulted at TwitchCon 2025, the perpetrator was removed and banned, but no verified arrest has taken place. What happens next will likely depend on how the convention industry responds to mounting calls for reform.
The events at TwitchCon 2025 have put a spotlight on creator safety, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of current protocols. As the conversation continues, organizers face a critical choice: maintain the status quo or invest in meaningful changes that prioritize the well-being of creators and attendees alike.