If you are aware of the gaming and cosplay worlds, then you are aware of the name Emiru. With a following of almost two million, she's an internet superstar on Twitch and YouTube, popular for her amazing cosplays and entertaining streams. It's a prototype internet rags-to-riches story. But a recent, terrifying incident at TwitchCon 2025 has changed the discussion from her skills to her safety, and the safety of all streamers.
From Passion to Stardom: Emiru's Rise
Emiru's tale is one of perseverance. She didn't overnight become famous. She started her career from scratch, having been a passionate gamer and a skillful cosplayer. Cosplay—playing the role of characters from video games and anime—is where she really shone. Her detailed and creative costumes captured the hearts of thousands.
Throughout her years, she made her dream a successful career, progressing from an optimistic newcomer to the best of the best streamer with an enormous, loving fan base. She is the embodiment of making what you love be your work.
A Dream Event Becomes a Nightmare
Over the weekend, at the largest gathering in the streaming community, TwitchCon, that dream was put to shame. At a meet-and-greet—a special session for creators to connect with their audience—a man approached Emiru, grabbed her, and attempted to kiss her without her permission.
Video of the incident went viral online. In it, we witness Emiru having the courage to shoo the person away before security intervenes. Most revealing, though, is her remarkable professionalism; despite the shock and invasion, she went back and completed greeting her fans. Her resilience in that instant has won her a lot of respect.
A Bigger, Terrifying Trend
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident for Emiru or female streamers in general.
Only a few months ago, in March, Emiru was streaming in public with friends when a man is said to have threatened to kill them.
Other large streamers such as Valkyrae and QTCinderella were so concerned for their safety that they decided not to attend TwitchCon this year at all.
This is evidence that what has been experienced by Emiru is merely a tip of the iceberg. Female streamers regularly get harassed, both online and offline, just for performing their work.
What Now? The Call for Real Safety
Twitch released a statement in response to the incident. They called the man's behavior "completely unacceptable," banned him for life from their events and platform, and reiterated they have a "zero tolerance for harassment."
But to many, it's a broken promise. TwitchCon had safety concerns in the past, and streamers have been requesting greater protection for years. The community leader at Twitch had even stated previously that day that it's crucial to "make these spaces safe." The Emiru incident demonstrates there is still much work to be done.
The Real Story: Respecting the Person Behind the Persona
The actual lesson in all of this isn't even about one horrible individual. It's about making sure everyone understands that streamers are actual human beings.
Emiru is more than just a personality on a screen. She is an amazing artist and a professional who should be able to feel safe in her own workspace, whether that's her streaming setup or a convention center.
Her story is one that inspires, but this event is a harsh reminder that fame is not to be had at the cost of being afraid for your own well-being. The wish is now that her courage in completing her meet-and-greet, and the outspoken public outcry, will at last result in the fundamental changes required to safeguard creators everywhere.
Image Credit: Instagram