NEW YORK (AP) — A lawsuit filed on Tuesday by five anonymous contestants has accused MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, of fostering “unsafe” working conditions on his new Amazon reality show, which features a $5 million grand prize. This legal action includes allegations of sexual harassment and the misrepresentation of the contestants’ winning odds.
The lawsuit claims that the production team behind one of YouTube’s most popular channels neglected to pay minimum wages, overtime, or provide sufficient meal and rest breaks. Contestants argued that their participation was integral to the entertainment value that MrBeast’s audience expects.
MrBeast’s ambitious venture, dubbed “Beast Games,” aimed to reach wider audiences beyond YouTube, where he boasts a staggering 316 million subscribers who enjoy his extravagant challenges often featuring substantial cash rewards.
However, the Las Vegas filming of the show encountered backlash even before it concluded. In July, about 2,000 participants were auditioned for the competition, but the lawsuit states that contestants only discovered upon arrival that the actual pool of competitors exceeded 1,000, drastically lowering their chances of winning. This alleged “false advertising” is said to violate California laws that prevent sweepstakes operators from incorrectly representing the odds of winning prizes.
In addition to issues surrounding the competition structure, the contestants reported experiencing “limited sustenance” and a lack of adequate medical support, which they claimed put their health at risk. Furthermore, they described the atmosphere on set as “toxic” for women, citing incidents of sexual harassment throughout the competition, although these specifics have been heavily redacted due to confidentiality agreements.
This lawsuit reflects broader criticisms shared by other online influencers right after the shoot, indicating that the production was poorly organized. Some contestants reported injuries and limited access to food and necessary medications. Several participants mentioned receiving only two light meals daily, accompanied by MrBeast-branded chocolate bars.
Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that Donaldson’s team misclassified the contestants’ employment status with the Nevada Film Commission intentionally, which was done to secure a state tax credit exceeding $2 million.
The five contestants are seeking various forms of relief, including an order for MrBeast to enact “workplace reforms” and to pay “all wages owed” to the participants.
In response to these controversies, Donaldson has called for a comprehensive review of the internal culture within his YouTube empire and plans to implement company-wide sensitivity training. However, specific details regarding this assessment remain undisclosed, as does the timeline for the launch of the reality game show.
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