MrBeast and Amazon Sued by Competitors Over Alleged Unsafe Conditions

MrBeast, the well-known YouTube personality whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is facing serious allegations regarding unsafe working conditions in connection to his latest reality show on Amazon. A lawsuit filed on Tuesday by five unnamed participants accuses him of sexual harassment as well as misrepresenting contestants’ chances of winning a $5 million grand prize.

The lawsuit claims that Donaldson’s company failed to pay minimum wages or overtime to the competitors, who essentially served as unpaid labor for the entertainment product produced by MrBeast. Moreover, the participants allege they were not provided with adequate meal breaks or rest periods during the filming of the show.

The reality competition, known as “Beast Games,” was marketed as the largest of its kind. It aimed to present Donaldson to a wider audience beyond his notorious YouTube channel, where his whimsical challenges frequently attract immense viewership, highlighted by a staggering 316 million subscribers.

However, the initial production in Las Vegas encountered issues that sparked criticism even before the filming was completed. In July, Donaldson’s team conducted auditions involving approximately 2,000 participants, from which a select number were to move on to the actual filming in Toronto. Upon arrival, contestants discovered that more than 1,000 others had also been included in what was perceived as an overwhelming number of competitors for a reality show. This situation reportedly decreased their odds of winning significantly.

The lawsuit argues this situation constitutes “false advertising,” claiming it violates California laws that prohibit sweepstakes operators from inaccurately representing the odds of winning any prize. The five anonymous contestants also expressed concerns about inadequate food options and insufficient medical staffing that jeopardized their health and well-being throughout the filming process.

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the working environment for female contestants was “toxic,” with claims of ongoing sexual harassment. Due to confidentiality agreements the competitors signed, many details regarding these allegations are redacted in the filing.

Compounding the situation, numerous online influencers who participated in the show have reported that the set was disorganized, leaving many contestants injured and without regular access to food or necessary medication. Participants have stated they received only two light meals daily and were provided with MrBeast-branded chocolate bars.

The allegations also extend to MrBeast’s team for supposedly misclassifying the contestants’ employment status when reporting to the Nevada Film Commission. This action, they claim, was a strategic move to secure a state tax credit exceeding $2 million.

The five competitors are seeking a court order that would compel MrBeast to implement workplace reforms alongside payment for all owed wages. In light of these controversies, Donaldson has reportedly ordered a comprehensive review of his YouTube empire’s internal culture and announced plans to initiate company-wide sensitivity training.

As this situation unfolds, other specifics, including the release date for the much-anticipated reality game show, have yet to be disclosed.

Source: Associated Press