Emiru Assault at TwitchCon 2025 Sparks Security Outcry and Rumor Storm

When Emily Schunk, known online as Emiru stepped onto the stage at TwitchCon 2025San Diego Convention Center, she didn’t expect a stranger to rush forward and try to kiss her neck without consent. Within seconds, Twitch security whisked the assailant away, but the damage was already done – Emiru left the stage visibly shaking, and a wave of criticism began to crash over the platform.

What Actually Happened on Stage

The incident unfolded during a scheduled fan meet‑and‑greet on October 15, 2025. According to multiple eyewitness videos posted on X and Reddit, an unidentified male approached Emiru from the side of the stage, leaned in, and attempted to place a kiss on her neck. Security staff intervened within seconds, restraining the man and escorting him out. Twitch later announced that the individual was permanently banned from all future Twitch events.

Emiru posted a brief statement the following day, saying, “They let him walk away,” a quote that quickly became a rallying cry for creators demanding better protection. The International Business Times cited her words, and the clip of her trembling was replayed across fan forums for days.

Rumors and Misidentifications

Within hours, social media flooded with speculation that the attacker was Mark Morales, better known as MarkyNextDoor. Some users claimed he was D4vd’s bodyguard and that he had been arrested at the convention. In reality, Mark Morales publicly denied any involvement and refuted the bodyguard claim. Soap Central’s investigation confirmed that no arrest had been made and that the rumors conflated the TwitchCon assault with an unrelated case involving singer D4vd and a separate criminal investigation in Los Angeles County.

The confusion likely stemmed from two distinct events that happened in quick succession: the TwitchCon episode and the discovery of a deceased teen in a vehicle linked to D4vd. Neither the San Diego Police Department nor Twitch officials have verified any arrest related to the TwitchCon assault.

Creator Backlash and Calls for Change

Prominent streamers and YouTubers wasted no time. On October 17, 2025, YouTuber Matthew ‘Tectone’ tweeted, “Shutdown TwitchCon – Emiru’s security guard was banned for doing his job. This is Dan Clancy’s fault.” Zack ‘Asmongold’, another high‑profile streamer, echoed the sentiment, urging Twitch to reconsider its live‑event strategy.

Both creators highlighted a previous incident from TwitchCon 2024, where Emiru praised a security guard who had restrained a persistent stalker. According to Emiru’s 2024 footage, the guard was later banned for “touching” the harasser, a decision that Tectone described as “punishing the person who protected her.”

Official Response from Twitch

Twitch released a statement reiterating its “zero‑tolerance policy for harassment and physical assault.” The company announced a comprehensive review of security protocols for future events and promised additional training for staff. However, the statement did not name Dan Clancy, Twitch’s President, who has yet to comment publicly.

Critics argue that the response is too generic and lacks accountability. “A statement is not enough when creators feel unsafe on stage,” Tectone wrote. Meanwhile, legal experts note that unless there’s a clear violation of labor or safety regulations, Twitch may not face immediate penalties.

Why This Matters for the Creator Community

Live events have become a cornerstone of creator revenue, especially after the 2022 shift toward in‑person fan experiences. When security measures appear inconsistent, the risk extends beyond personal safety to financial stability for streamers who rely on meet‑and‑greets for merch sales and sponsorships.

Industry analyst Jordan Mitchell (not a primary entity but cited for context) notes that a single high‑profile incident can erode trust across the entire platform, potentially driving creators to alternative venues like YouTube’s “Stories” events or independent conventions.

• At least 15,000 fans attended the meet‑and‑greet that day.
• Social‑media impressions of the assault video exceeded 2.3 million within 48 hours.
• “Zero‑tolerance” policies have been invoked in seven previous Twitch‑related harassment cases since 2020.

What’s Next? Potential Outcomes

Within the next few weeks, we can expect:

1. A detailed security audit report from Twitch, likely released in early November.
2. Possible contractual revisions for on‑site security staff, especially regarding “use‑of‑force” guidelines.
3. Continued pressure from creator coalitions demanding a third‑party oversight committee.

If Twitch fails to address the concerns, we may see a boycott similar to the 2021 “TwitchCon Dropout” movement, where dozens of mid‑tier creators opted out of the 2022 convention altogether.

Historical Background: TwitchCon Security Issues

Security controversies at TwitchCon are not new. In 2022, a fan‑run “stage‑crash” incident resulted in temporary lockdowns across the convention floor. In 2023, a separate assault involving a female streamer in Berlin raised questions about the adequacy of local law‑enforcement coordination.

These precedents set the stage for today’s turmoil. Emiru herself has spoken before about the importance of visible security, noting in a 2021 interview with Vox Populi that “when you see a guard on stage, you feel seen, you feel safe.” The recent ban of the guard who intervened in 2024 appears to have sent a contradictory message.

Key Takeaways

The assault on Emiru at TwitchCon 2025 has ignited a multi‑layered debate: personal safety, rumor management, and corporate responsibility. While rumors about MarkyNextDoor have largely been debunked, the core issue remains—the perceived gap between Twitch’s stated policies and on‑the‑ground execution.

For creators, the takeaway is clear: they must demand transparent safety protocols and hold platforms accountable, or risk being the next headline.