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TL;DR
- MrBeast and Amazon face class-action lawsuit filed by five female contestants alleging mistreatment, sexual harassment, and health and safety violations during the production of reality show “Beast Games”
- Lawsuit claims contestants were underfed, overtired, and subjected to a culture of misogyny and sexism, with redacted details suggesting a pattern of sexual harassment on set
- Despite recent controversies, MrBeast’s popularity continues to soar, but brand experts warn the lawsuit could threaten his multi-faceted empire, particularly ventures targeting families and children
- As the case unfolds, the future of “Beast Games” and MrBeast’s reputation hangs in the balance, with many eagerly awaiting his response to the complex allegations
Popular YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, and Amazon are facing a class-action lawsuit filed by five female contestants who participated in the upcoming reality competition series “Beast Games.” The 54-page legal document, submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, alleges that the plaintiffs were subjected to various forms of mistreatment and exploitation during the show’s production.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Sexual Harassment
The lawsuit claims that the contestants were forced to endure “unreasonable, unsafe, and unlawful employment conditions” while filming “Beast Games,” which is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The plaintiffs, identified only as Contestants 1-5, allege that they were denied proper wages, meal breaks, and adequate rest periods. The complaint also asserts that the production companies and Amazon “shamelessly exploited” the labor of the contestants, whose contributions were central to the show’s commercial value.
Disturbingly, the lawsuit alleges that female contestants “particularly and collectively suffered” in an environment that “systematically fostered a culture of misogyny and sexism.” Although many details are redacted from public view, the document suggests that the defendants “created, permitted to exist, and fostered a culture and pattern and practice of sexual harassment” on set.
Health and Safety Concerns
In addition to the allegations of mistreatment and harassment, the lawsuit claims that contestants were “underfed and overtired” during production. Meals were reportedly provided “sporadically and sparsely,” which “endangered the health and welfare” of the participants. These claims echo concerns raised by contestants in an August 2023 New York Times article, which reported “several hospitalizations” on set and instances of contestants going over 20 hours without being fed or receiving necessary medication.
Potential Impact on MrBeast’s Brand
The lawsuit comes at a time when MrBeast, who boasts over 316 million YouTube subscribers, has been grappling with various controversies. In July, he faced allegations surrounding his former co-host Ava Kris Tyson, who was accused of grooming a teenager. MrBeast expressed disgust at the “serious allegations” and hired investigators to look into the matter.
Despite these challenges, MrBeast’s popularity has continued to soar, with his channel gaining an additional five million subscribers in the last 30 days alone. However, brand experts suggest that the latest lawsuit could pose a significant threat to his multi-faceted empire, particularly ventures targeting families and children, such as his Feastables chocolate bars and Lunchly food line.
Looking Ahead
As the lawsuit unfolds, the future of “Beast Games” and MrBeast’s reputation hangs in the balance. The YouTuber, known for his philanthropic efforts and engaging content, has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. Many are eagerly awaiting his response to what is, thus far, one side of a complex story.
The BBC has reached out to MrBeast and Amazon for comment on the matter. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to monitor developments and hear from all parties involved to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
News Source: bbc
