On April 19, 2025, Twitch streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys revealed disturbing allegations against a former Twitch employee during an episode of her Sweet n Sour podcast, co-hosted with Lily “LilyPichu.” Pokimane disclosed that the individual, who worked in Twitch’s public safety department, exploited his position to manipulate women in her community by falsely claiming to be in a romantic relationship with her. This revelation, which builds on a 2023 incident Pokimane had previously discussed without naming the employer, has reignited conversations about trust and safety in the streaming industry.

Pokimane, one of Twitch’s most prominent figures with over 9 million followers, explained that the employee, who also served as a moderator for her channel, used his industry connections to appear credible. He allegedly approached female viewers, claiming to struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts to gain their sympathy. Once he secured their trust, he fabricated a narrative of a romantic relationship with Pokimane, alleging she was emotionally and romantically abusive. He reportedly shared doctored screenshots of conversations and even sent inappropriate images, falsely claiming they were of Pokimane, to solicit similar photos from these women. Shockingly, he also leaked confidential information, including details about Pokimane’s Twitch revenue, to further his manipulation.

The employee’s role in Twitch’s safety department, where he contributed to tools like the automod designed to protect streamers, made his actions particularly egregious. Pokimane described the betrayal as “terrifying,” noting that it “completely tarnished” the safe space she had built for her community. The incident, which came to light in 2023, deeply affected her sense of security, making it difficult for her to stream for an extended period. “I did not feel safe pushing the start stream button,” she admitted, highlighting the emotional toll of knowing someone in her circle could exploit her community to such an extent.

When Pokimane and her manager became aware of the situation, they reported it to Twitch, triggering a two-month investigation. To avoid tipping off the employee, she had to maintain his presence in her community during this period, a decision that added to her distress. The investigation concluded with the employee’s departure from Twitch, after which he announced he was joining Riot Games. Pokimane reached out to both the affected women and Riot to warn them about his behavior, but she noted there was little she could do legally, as the evidence was largely considered hearsay. The lack of legal recourse left her frustrated, a sentiment echoed by fans on platforms like X, where posts condemned the employee’s actions and called for stronger protections for streamers.

This isn’t the first time Pokimane has faced exploitation. In 2021, she was scammed out of $24,000 by a former YouTube manager, and in 2022, she narrowly avoided a phishing attempt disguised as a brand deal. These experiences have made her more cautious, but the Twitch employee incident stands out for its abuse of power within a platform tasked with ensuring streamer safety. The streaming industry has long grappled with issues of harassment and manipulation, with high-profile cases like Amouranth’s reported home attacks in 2025 and a Genshin Impact voice actor’s harassment of fans underscoring the challenges female streamers face.

Pokimane’s decision to speak out, first in 2023 and now with added details, reflects a broader shift toward accountability in gaming and streaming. While she chose not to name the individual to protect the victims’ privacy, her transparency has sparked debate. Some, like YouTuber MoistCr1tikal, argued that naming the perpetrator could prevent future harm, while others supported her approach to prioritize the affected women’s anonymity. Posts on X have amplified the story, with users expressing outrage at the employee’s hypocrisy and urging platforms like Twitch and Riot to take stronger action.

As Pokimane continues to navigate her career—now streaming across platforms like YouTube after leaving Twitch in 2024—this incident underscores the vulnerabilities even top streamers face. It also serves as a call to action for the industry to address systemic issues, ensuring those in positions of power cannot exploit the communities they’re meant to protect.