Popular streamers Pokimane and LilyPichu have expressed uncertainty regarding their participation in TwitchCon 2025, following safety concerns that have emerged after fellow content creators Valkyrae and QTCinderella opted out of the event.
TwitchCon, an annual gathering in San Diego, serves as a celebration of the streaming platform, featuring meet-and-greets and opportunities for fans to connect with their favorite creators. However, an increase in reports of uncomfortable and potentially threatening experiences at previous conventions has raised alarm among attendees.
Several notable streamers have already announced they will not be attending this year’s event. HasanAbi publicly shared his decision based on safety considerations, emphasizing the need for a secure environment for all involved. Valkyrae and QTCinderella, who both withdrawn from the convention, cited fears of negative encounters with fans.
On the Sweet n’ Sour podcast, LilyPichu revealed her internal conflict regarding attendance, sharing her struggle between having a booth and feeling uneasy about meeting fans. “I think a lot of people are… I’m not in the mood to meet people lately,” she admitted.
Pokimane echoed these sentiments, noting that Valkyrae’s worries struck a chord with her and raised her own concerns about safety. She referenced the tragic death of singer and YouTuber Christina Grimmie at a fan meet-and-greet in 2016, highlighting how even a single incident could have catastrophic consequences.
Additionally, QTCinderella pointed to the fatal incident involving Japanese streamer Airi Sato earlier this year as a contributing factor to her decision not to attend.
In response to the rising concerns, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy assured the community on September 24 that the company will prioritize security at events, committing to enhance safety measures to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. As the online streaming community navigates these challenges, there is hope that addressing these safety issues will lead to a more secure and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in future events.