NEW YORK — MrBeast is accused of creating “unsafe” employment conditions, including sexual harassment, and misrepresenting contestants’ odds at winning his new Amazon reality show’s $5 million grand prize in a lawsuit filed Tuesday by five unnamed participants.
The filing alleges that the multimillion-dollar company behind YouTube’s most popular channel failed to provide minimum wages, overtime pay, uninterrupted meal breaks and rest time for competitors — whose “work on the show was the entertainment product” sold by MrBeast.
A spokesperson for MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, told The Associated Press in an email that he had no comment on the new lawsuit.
Donaldson’s “Beast Games” was touted as the “biggest reality competition.” It was supposed to put the North Carolina content creator in front of audiences beyond the YouTube platform where his record 316 million subscribers routinely watch his whimsical challenges that often carry lavish gifts of direct cash.
But its initial Las Vegas shoot began facing criticism before it even wrapped. Donaldson’s companies cast 2,000 people in an initial tryout this July where half could advance to the actual show’s filming in Toronto.
Contestants only learned upon their arrival that the Las Vegas pool surpassed 1,000 competitors, according to the lawsuit, which significantly reducing their chances of victory. The lawsuit argues the “false advertising” violated California business laws that prohibit sweepstakes operators from “misrepresenting in any manner the odds of winning any prize.”
The five anonymous competitors also said that “limited sustenance” and “insufficient medical staffing” endangered their health.
The filing alleges that production staff created a “toxic” work environment for women who faced “sexual harassment” throughout the contest. Those sections are heavily redacted in an effort to comply with “confidentiality provisions” signed by the competitors, according to a press release from their lawyers.
The lawsuit adds to the complaints — circulated by online influencers in the shoot’s immediate aftermath — that an unorganized set had left some contestants injured and lacking in regular access to food and medication. Other participants have told AP they received two light meals each day and MrBeast branded chocolate bars.
MrBeast’s team also faces new accusations they “knowingly misclassified” the contestants’ employment status to the Nevada Film Commission in order to receive a state tax credit for more than $2 million.
Among other forms of relief, the five competitors seek an order that MrBeast institute “workplace reforms” and awards “all wages owed.”
Last month, amid several public relations crises, Donaldson ordered a full assessment of his YouTube empire’s internal culture and outlined plans to require company-wide sensitivity training.
No more details have been divulged and no date has been publicized for the reality game show’s release.
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Competitors from MrBeast’s $5M reality show, “The Beast,” have filed a lawsuit against MrBeast and Amazon for alleged unsafe conditions during filming. The lawsuit, filed by several contestants who participated in the show, claims that they were subjected to dangerous and hazardous conditions while filming the reality competition.
According to the lawsuit, contestants were forced to endure extreme physical challenges and were not provided with adequate safety measures or supervision. The competitors allege that they were put in harm’s way without proper training or equipment, leading to injuries and emotional distress.
One contestant, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We were pushed to our limits without any regard for our safety. It was clear that the producers and MrBeast were more concerned with creating dramatic television moments than ensuring our well-being.”
The lawsuit also alleges that Amazon, which streamed the reality show on its platform, failed to properly oversee the production and ensure that proper safety protocols were followed. The contestants claim that Amazon’s negligence contributed to the unsafe conditions they were subjected to during filming.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for MrBeast stated, “The safety and well-being of all participants in our shows is our top priority. We take these allegations very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.”
Amazon has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
This lawsuit raises important questions about the responsibility of reality show producers and streaming platforms to ensure the safety of contestants. While reality TV is known for pushing boundaries and creating dramatic moments, it is crucial that the well-being of participants is not compromised in the process.
As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the courts rule on the allegations of unsafe conditions during filming of “The Beast.” In the meantime, it serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry must prioritize the safety and welfare of all individuals involved in productions.
