MrBeast Launches Internal Culture Review Amid Allegations of Impropriety and Unsafe Working Conditions
MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, has launched a comprehensive assessment of the internal culture within his YouTube empire. This move comes in response to allegations of inappropriate behavior and unsafe working conditions on his sets.
Internal Culture Investigation and Leadership Accountability
In a confidential memo addressed to “Team Beast” employees on August 7th, MrBeast outlined plans for a thorough investigation into the troubling allegations. The memo, obtained by The Associated Press, revealed that Donaldson is committed to improving the work environment and evolving his leadership style.
“As your leader, I take responsibility, and I am committed to continue to improve and evolve my leadership style,” Donaldson wrote. “I recognize that I also need to create a culture that makes all our employees feel safe and allows them to do their best work.”
The memo further detailed upcoming changes, including the hiring of a Chief Human Resources Officer and the introduction of mandatory company-wide sensitivity training.
Addressing Recent Controversies
The decision to assess internal culture follows a series of controversies that have rocked the popular YouTuber, who is celebrated for his extravagant giveaways and charitable acts. Recently, Donaldson faced backlash for using inappropriate language in past videos, with clips resurfacing online that contained homophobic and racist remarks.
Adding to the turmoil, contestants on an early production of his ambitious game show—featuring 1,000 competitors and a $5 million grand prize—voiced safety concerns. They described chaotic conditions on set, including a lack of access to food, water, and medication.
Legal Action and Organizational Changes
The memo also revealed that MrBeast has hired the prestigious law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan to investigate allegations against fellow creator Ava Tyson. Tyson left the company in July after accusations surfaced online that she had shared inappropriate sexual messages with minors.
To further address these issues, Donaldson announced plans to hire a Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel. The company will implement an “anonymous reporting mechanism” and mandatory training on safety, sexual harassment, LGBTQ issues, diversity, sensitivity, and workplace conduct.
Expanding the MrBeast Empire
Despite the controversies, MrBeast continues to expand his influence beyond his main YouTube channel, which boasts a record 309 million subscribers. His other channels, “Beast Reacts” and “Beast Philanthropy,” have garnered over 34 million and 25 million subscribers, respectively. While his MrBeast Burger venture has received mixed reviews, his Feastables chocolate bars remain popular in Walmart stores. Additionally, his “Beast Games” reality competition show is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video.
Navigating a Tricky Landscape
Managing such a vast enterprise presents significant challenges, particularly when the brand is so closely tied to an individual. Jake Bjorseth, founder of the Gen Z advertising agency Trndsttrs, emphasized the difficulty in balancing the need for a more corporate structure with maintaining the “magic” that has attracted millions of followers.
As MrBeast navigates these controversies, there is concern that his response could alienate different segments of his audience. Bjorseth warned that consumer backlash at the product level could have serious ramifications and questioned whether the next YouTube release would address the controversies or proceed as usual.
“They’re in a very tricky spot,” Bjorseth concluded, highlighting the delicate balance Donaldson must strike to maintain his brand’s appeal.