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 personality, and businessman recognized for his engaging YouTube videos featuring elaborate challenges and substantial charitable donations. He holds the record for the most subscribers on YouTube, boasting over 360 million, and a significant presence on TikTok, Instagram and X.
February 2018: Employee Allegations Emerge
In February 2018, Matt Turner, a former editor, began experiencing alleged mistreatment, including verbal abuse, during his employment with Donaldson.
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May 2018: The Atlantic Publishes Article on Homophobic Slurs
In May 2018, The Atlantic published an article on Donaldson's history of using homophobic slurs.
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September 2019: Editor Matt Turner Leaves
In September 2019, Matt Turner left his position as an editor after working for Donaldson, claiming he was regularly not credited for his work.
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October 2019: Turner's Twitter thread
In October 2019, Turner released a now-deleted Twitter thread describing negative experiences while working for Donaldson.
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March 2021: Finger on the App 2 Delayed
The planned release of Finger on the App 2 was further delayed to March 2021 due to server crashes caused by a flood of downloads.
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April 2021: Investment and Backlash
In April 2021, Donaldson became an investor in Current and faced backlash after fans lost money in a cryptocurrency scheme he promoted.
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May 2021: New York Times Article on Work Environment
In May 2021, The New York Times published an article detailing allegations from former employees about a difficult work environment under Donaldson.
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March 3, 2023: Feastables Fan Request Controversy
On March 3, 2023, Donaldson asked fans on Twitter to improve Feastables displays in stores, offering a raffle entry for proof. This led to criticism and accusations of exploiting fans for unpaid labor.
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June 17, 2023: MrBeast Expresses Regret Over MrBeast Burger
On June 17, 2023, Donaldson expressed his wish to shut down MrBeast Burger due to quality issues and a "bad deal" with Virtual Dining Concepts.
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July 31, 2023: Lawsuit Filed Against Virtual Dining Concepts
On July 31, 2023, Donaldson sued Virtual Dining Concepts, alleging damage to his reputation and non-payment, seeking to end their partnership.
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July 24, 2024: Ava Kris Tyson Removed from MrBeast Brand
On July 24, 2024, Donaldson removed Ava Kris Tyson from the MrBeast brand following allegations of sexual misconduct. Tyson claimed she willingly stepped away and that her decision to leave was mutual.
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September 2024: Class Action Lawsuit Filed
In September 2024, Donaldson was named as a subject of a class action lawsuit, alleging mistreatment, sexual harassment, and unpaid expenses on his reality television series, Beast Games.
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September 2024: Class Action Lawsuit Filed by Beast Games Contestants
In September 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against Donaldson, Amazon, and production companies by former Beast Games contestants alleging mistreatment, sexual harassment, and unpaid expenses.
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January 2025: Mr. Beast Burger Lawsuit Ongoing
As of January 2025, the lawsuit between Donaldson and Virtual Dining Concepts concerning Mr. Beast Burger is still ongoing.
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