MrBeast says game show allegations 'blown out of proportion'

MrBeast, the most popular YouTuber globally with over 300 million subscribers, has recently addressed serious allegations regarding his upcoming reality game show. Known as Jimmy Donaldson in real life, MrBeast stated that claims suggesting his show 'shamelessly exploited' contestants have been 'blown out of proportion. ' He released a teaser for his new series, Beast Games, which is set to premiere next month. In September, both MrBeast and Amazon were named in a lawsuit that raised several concerns about the treatment of participants during filming. The anticipated show promises to be the largest live game show ever, featuring 1,000 contestants competing in a series of elimination challenges for a staggering cash prize of $5 million. While MrBeast has not made an official statement regarding the allegations, he did respond to a user on social media who inquired about the claims. He mentioned that there is a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage that will be shared when the show airs, which he believes will demonstrate how exaggerated these claims are. He added, 'We just can't release it now because it would spoil the games. ' MrBeast confirmed that the series will be available for viewing on December 19. The lawsuit alleges that contestants were not compensated, faced unsafe working conditions, and experienced harassment during the production. The 54-page legal document accuses the production team of fostering a 'culture of misogyny,' controlling the 'underfed and overtired' cast, and failing to provide a safe working environment. The contestants are suing the involved companies, including Amazon and MrB2024, which lawyers believe is connected to MrBeast. BBC Newsbeat has reached out to both MrBeast and Amazon for comments regarding the ongoing legal proceedings. Another production company mentioned in the lawsuit, Off One's Base LLP, has not been reachable for comment. Representatives for the contestants have also been contacted for their input. MrBeast is well-known for his elaborate challenges and philanthropic efforts. In the teaser trailer for Beast Games, he expressed that he has invested everything he has into this show. He also noted that his YouTube channel has 'definitely suffered a bit' due to the time he has dedicated to the new series. In addition to hosting the challenges, MrBeast serves as an executive producer for the show, which Amazon claims will resemble his YouTube videos, filled with time-sensitive emotional decisions, pyrotechnics, and, of course, significant rewards. The trailer showcases the 1,000 contestants lined up in individual boxes, jumping from a helicopter, and even boarding a pirate ship. MrBeast expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'This show is going to blow your mind! ' This year has posed additional challenges for MrBeast, as he has faced allegations against one of his former co-hosts, Ava Kris Tyson. She ceased working with MrBeast in July after being accused of sending inappropriate messages to a minor when she was 20 years old. At that time, Tyson apologized for her 'past actions' but insisted that her behavior never 'extended beyond bad edgy jokes' and denied ever grooming anyone. An investigation did reveal some 'isolated instances of workplace harassment and misconduct,' but it was reported that MrBeast's company took 'swift and appropriate actions' when they became aware of the issues.