MrBeast, the most popular 26-year-old multimillionaire YouTuber and one of the highest earners on the platform, is facing a class-action lawsuit along with Amazon. The lawsuit, filed by five anonymous contestants of his reality competition show, “Beast Games,” claims serious workplace abuses during the show’s production.
What Happened?
The lawsuit was submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging insufficient wages, unpaid overtime, and “gross mistreatment and neglect” of contestants on the set. “Beast Games,” which will air on Amazon Prime, filmed in Las Vegas and featured over 1,000 contestants competing in various challenges for a chance to win a staggering $5 million, reportedly the largest prize in television and streaming history.
Allegations Against MrBeast and Amazon
According to the plaintiffs, many contestants experienced physical injuries during challenges, and some were even hospitalized. The lawsuit claims that participants were deprived of basic necessities like food, sleep, and medical care. Disturbingly, the complaint also mentions allegations of sexual harassment throughout the production. However, specific details about these incidents have been redacted for privacy reasons.
The complaint highlights that female contestants, in particular, faced systemic misogyny and sexism, alleging that production staff failed to address these issues.
MrBeast’s Background
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is a social media sensation with over 316 million subscribers on YouTube. Forbes estimates that he earned $82 million between June 2022 and June 2023. He is known for his extravagant giveaways, including cars, houses, and even a private island, as well as challenges that often involve extreme stunts. However, he has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, like helping to adopt shelter dogs and building homes for those in need.
Contestants’ Claims
In addition to the allegations of mistreatment, the lawsuit states that some “Beast Games” contestants have not been reimbursed for business-related travel expenses and that their pay did not meet minimum wage requirements. The plaintiffs also accuse the defendants of providing misleading information to the State of Nevada to obtain unearned tax credits. Furthermore, they allege that contestants were misled about their chances of winning the $5 million prize while putting their lives on hold to participate.
Social Media Backlash
Complaints about “Beast Games” have been circulating on social media and have been reported in local news outlets and a recent New York Times article, which echoed some of the concerns raised in the lawsuit.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, both MrBeast and Amazon have yet to comment on the allegations. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for MrBeast’s career and the production practices of reality television. Fans and followers of MrBeast will be watching closely as this story develops.