YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, finds himself at the center of a storm as his highly anticipated Prime Video show “Beast Games” faces serious allegations from contestants.
Five female participants have initiated legal proceedings against MrBeast’s production company, MrB2024, and Amazon in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit, spanning 54 pages, threatens to derail what was billed as “the largest ever reality competition series,” featuring 1,000 contestants vying for a staggering $5 million (£3.7 million) prize.
The legal document, heavily redacted in parts, contains troubling claims. It alleges that the plaintiffs
“Particularly and collectively suffered” in an environment that “systematically fostered a culture of misogyny and sexism.”
Health and Safety Concerns
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of the show’s conditions. Contestants were reportedly
“Underfed and overtired,” with meals provided “sporadically and sparsely,” which allegedly “endangered the health and welfare” of the participants.
In a particularly alarming section, mostly redacted from public view, the document claims that the defendants
“created, permitted to exist, and fostered a culture and pattern and practice of sexual harassment including in the form of a hostile work environment.”
These allegations align with earlier reports from the New York Times, which spoke to over a dozen participants in August. The newspaper reported “several hospitalizations” on set, with one person claiming they had gone without food for more than 20 hours.
Some contestants also alleged delays in receiving their medication.
MrBeast’s Rising Fame and Philanthropic Efforts
Despite the current controversy, MrBeast’s popularity has continued to soar. His YouTube channel recently became the largest in the world, gaining an additional five million subscribers in just the past month.
MrBeast has built his empire on high-budget, viral videos and acts of philanthropy. His most popular video, a recreation of the Netflix hit “Squid Game,” has amassed over 652 million views. His charitable efforts include giving away houses, cash, and cars, as well as providing meals to those in need worldwide.
