Summary
- MrBeast and Amazon face a lawsuit over mistreatment, harassment, and neglect of contestants during the production of Beast Games.
- The allegations include creating an unsafe work environment, withholding proper wages, and ignoring basic needs of contestants.
- Serious complaints also involve contestants being hospitalized, deprived of food and sleep, and subjected to extreme physical and mental burdens.
YouTube personality MrBeast and Amazon are being sued by participants of the content creator's Prime game show, alleging instances of misconduct and extreme distress. As one of the most successful creators on YouTube, MrBeast has become an internet phenomenon, but the production of his ambitious game show venture with Amazon has stirred controversy.
MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, skyrocketed to YouTube fame with his outrageous and large-scale videos. From videos of recreating Squid Game in real life to charitable pursuits, MrBeast reached the apex of the platform with his unique approach. This eventually landed him a deal with Amazon to create a game show, titled Beast Games. The show has yet to premiere, but several contestants have spoken about the conditions of the production, which has now led to a lawsuit.
MrBeast and Amazon Hit With Class Action Lawsuit
In a report by Variety, five anonymous Beast Games participants have filed a class-action lawsuit against MrBeast and Amazon on September 16. The lawsuit cites claims of ongoing mistreatment and sexual harassment of contestants. Filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, the claims of these five contestants paint a picture of a mismanaged set that neglected the overall well-being of contestants. With MrBeast's philanthropic public persona, the lawsuit is a surprise for many.
The lawsuit cites claims of ongoing mistreatment and sexual harassment of contestants.
The lawsuit in question contains serious allegations. Creating an unsafe space for women, failing to pay proper wages, depriving contestants of food and sleep, and ignoring medical and hygiene needs are the main complaints. The five unnamed participants emphasized that they were subjected to a "hostile work environment." Instances of contestant hospitalization and physical and mental complications reportedly made production on Beast Games incredibly difficult. Reports of set conditions have trickled in since the show's mid-July filming began, but they have now culminated in official legal action. This isn't the first big controversy to hit the MrBeast brand this year. Recent grooming allegations against Ava Kris Tyson, Donaldson's longtime collaborator, caused him to launch an investigation and work toward internal changes.
Further claims allege that water was not readily available for contestants, and people were forced to sleep on turf in sleeping bags.
How Will This Affect Beast Games?
As of now, neither Donaldson nor Amazon have made an official statement regarding the lawsuit. There is no official word on how this will affect the rest of Beast Games' production, either. MrBeast has laid low since the reports of Beast Games' bad set conditions started to get media coverage, but a statement may hopefully come in the following days.
