Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, a powerhouse in online content creation, is in damage control mode after a series of alleged scandals threatened his algorithm-optimized YouTube brand. He recently promised employees that he would conduct a comprehensive investigation of the company’s culture and recent complaints Some of his biggest stunt films featured injuries and abuse.
According to an internal memo The first to report is Associated PressDonaldson announced earlier this week that he would conduct a “comprehensive review” of his business empire, which spans elaborate YouTube videos and licensed food products such as cookie and burger restaurant chains. “I accept responsibility as your leader and I am committed to continuing to improve and develop my leadership style,” he wrote. “I recognized that I also needed to create a culture where all employees felt safe and empowered to do their best work.”
The review includes hiring a chief human resources officer and an investigation into recent allegations that contestants on his new game show were mistreated during filming. new york times report People vying for $5 million on his new Amazon Prime reality show were not properly fed or provided with adequate medical care after alleged incidents of unsafe working conditions.
The memo also revealed that Donaldson hired outside law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan to investigate the conduct of former co-worker Ava Kris Tyson, who was accused in July of making inappropriate sexual advances to a minor. News. Donaldson called the behavior “unacceptable” in a statement last month, when the pair agreed to part ways.
The YouTuber has also been in crisis mode recently due to his past actions Critics surface clip He used homophobic slurs and made racist remarks during early video game livestreams when he was around 18 years old. Another incident involved him joking about having sex with rapper Bhad Bhabie, who was 14 at the time. “When Jimmy was a teenager, he behaved like many children, using inappropriate language while trying to be funny,” a spokesperson for Donaldson told the Daily Mail. Associated Press last month.
Before the recent controversy, the MrBeast YouTube channel was primarily known for its viral videos surrounding large-scale charity events like digging freshwater wells For residents of Uganda and wild stunts like this Driving the train into a huge pit. However, it is also due to Donaldson’s The ruthless game of platform algorithmswhich includes an obsession with his iconic YouTube thumbnails to maximize views and engagement.
“People shouldn’t be like me” he said in a 2023 podcast. “I have no life, I have no personality.”
