Challenges Faced by MrBeast: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped MrBeast's life and career.

James Stephen "Jimmy" Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is a prominent American YouTuber, media figure, and entrepreneur. He's renowned for his high-production-value YouTube videos featuring extravagant challenges and acts of philanthropy. Holding the title of the most-subscribed individual on YouTube, boasting over 404 million subscribers, he has a significant presence on other social media platforms, and is also a leading creator on TikTok, where he has over 115 million followers.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2016: Dropped Out of College

In late 2016, Donaldson dropped out of college to pursue a full-time career as a YouTuber, leading his mother to disapprove and ask him to leave home.

May 2018: Article published on Donaldson's use of homophobic slurs

In May 2018, The Atlantic published an article detailing Donaldson's history of using homophobic slurs on Twitter as a teenager, where he referred to people as "fags" and used "gay" as an insult.

October 2019: Matt Turner Releases Deleted Twitter Thread

In October 2019, Matt Turner released a deleted Twitter thread where he stated he was "yelled at, bullied, called mentally retarded and replaceable by Donaldson every single day".

November 23, 2019: Counterfeit Money Accusation

On November 23, 2019, Donaldson was accused of using counterfeit money in his "I Opened A FREE BANK" video, which he later clarified was for safety concerns and participants received real checks afterward.

February 2021: Clubhouse Controversy

In February 2021, Donaldson removed entrepreneur Farokh Sarmad from a Clubhouse room, leading to accusations of racism that were disputed by other users.

May 2021: Allegations of a Difficult Work Environment

In a May 2021 New York Times article, former employees alleged that Donaldson created a difficult work environment. Matt Turner claimed Donaldson berated him almost daily.

April 2023: Donaldson defends Chris Tyson against backlash

In April 2023, after Chris Tyson acknowledged receiving feminizing hormone replacement therapy, Donaldson defended her against the backlash she received, expressing his anger at the transphobia.

June 17, 2023: Donaldson Expresses Wishes to Shut Down MrBeast Burger

On June 17, 2023, Donaldson expressed his desire to shut down MrBeast Burger due to quality issues, citing a "bad deal" with Virtual Dining Concepts, LLC.

July 31, 2023: Donaldson Sues Virtual Dining Concepts

On July 31, 2023, Donaldson sued Virtual Dining Concepts in federal court to end their partnership, alleging damage to his reputation due to prioritizing expansion over food quality for MrBeast Burger.

September 2024: Class Action Lawsuit

In September 2024, Donaldson was named in a class action lawsuit alleging mistreatment, sexual harassment, and unpaid wages on his reality television series.

September 2024: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Donaldson and Amazon

In September 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of former Beast Games contestants against Donaldson, Amazon, and associated production companies, alleging mistreatment, sexual harassment, and unpaid expenses.