The popular online figure MrBeast has admitted to using inappropriate language in the early stages of his internet presence.
MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, has faced allegations of making discriminatory remarks and his close associate has been accused of engaging in improper conversations with minors.
The 26-year-old’s YouTube career is estimated to be valued at $700m (£545m), predominantly showcasing intricately crafted videos featuring extravagant gifts and playful challenges.
His recent uploads include “Ages 1 – 100 Decide Who Wins $250,000” and “I Built 100 Houses And Gave Them Away!” which, similar to most of his content, have amassed over 100 million views from his massive 307 million YouTube followers.
Hailing from the United States, Donaldson has ventured into establishing various businesses in recent times, such as his snack line Feastables, a burger franchise that received negative reviews leading to his legal action against the company, and a deal with Amazon Prime Video for a reality competition show involving 1,000 contestants.
Recently, a representative for Donaldson has acknowledged his past use of “inappropriate language”.
In a statement, it was mentioned: “During his teenage years, Jimmy, like many adolescents, utilized inappropriate language while attempting to be humorous.
“Throughout the years, he has consistently apologized and has recognized that as his influence grows, so does his responsibility to be more mindful and cautious regarding the impact of his words.
“After making regrettable jokes and other missteps in his youth, as an adult, he has focused on engaging with the MrBeast community to collaborate on creating a positive influence globally.”
Prior to attaining fame on YouTube, Donaldson had gathered a substantial following as a gaming content creator who occasionally interacted with viewers through live streams.
‘Discriminatory remarks and offensive language’
In a circulated clip from 2017 shared by YouTube personality Rosanna Pansino on 24th July, Donaldson responded to a viewer who made a derogatory comment about selling individuals of color, using a discriminatory term and stating that “he would only pay around 300” for such actions.
Donaldson also made use of a homophobic slur on multiple occasions. In response to a viewer repeating a slur, Donaldson eventually urged his audience to refrain from using such language in the chat.
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Pansino emphasized that the perception of Donaldson always producing “family-friendly content” is inaccurate.
“His initial videos, where he attempted to take on an edgy gamer persona and streamer, involved him saying offensive and vile things – I was unaware of that,” Pansino remarked. “I had no knowledge of that past.”
In another clip from a podcast appearance in May 2017, Donaldson insinuated a controversial statement regarding the rapper Bhad Bhabie, also known as Danielle Bregoli, who was 14 years old at the time. The video has since been removed for breaching YouTube’s community guidelines.
Accusations against long-term collaborator
Additionally, allegations have surfaced concerning Ava Kris Tyson, a frequent collaborator of MrBeast, for engaging in inappropriate online interactions with underage individuals.
MrBeast and Ava Kris Tyson at Nickeodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards last year. Pic: Hubert Boesl/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Conversations from Tyson’s past with an underage fan are being scrutinized, involving public discussions related to nude images and anime-related explicit content.
In a post on X dated 22nd July, the fan refuted any claims of exploitation, labeling such accusations as “blatant falsehoods and distortion of truth”.
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Tyson announced her withdrawal from “all MrBeast-related activities and social media” last week.
On 24th July, Donaldson expressed his strong disapproval of such behaviors and shared plans to engage independent investigators to probe the allegations.
Another former team member has leveled accusations against Donaldson, claiming he manipulated contests in his videos, conducted illegal lotteries, and misled his fan base, although Donaldson has not publicly responded to these allegations.
