Half a billion fans, a multi-million dollar personal fortune and a global business empire.

Hard to dethrone YouTube’s biggest Influencer, Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast.

But a 54-page court document may be his biggest test, according to the BBC.

Five female contestants on Prime Video show Beast Games are taking legal action against MrB2024’s production company and Amazon in Los Angeles.

The competition, which is billed as the biggest reality competition ever, will pit 1,000 contestants against each other for a $5 million prize when the show airs—if it airs (the lawsuit has already caused a major crisis for the show).

The charges

On the 54 pages of the lawsuit plaintiffs allege they “suffered individually and collectively” in an environment that “systematically cultivated a culture of misogyny and sexism”.

The charge strikes at the foundation of MrBeast’s image as one of the nicest guys on the internet.

The lawsuit also alleges that the contestants were malnourished and overtired. Meals were provided “sparsely and sporadically” which “endangered the health of the contestants” as reported.

Last August, the New York Times spoke to a number of contestants who reported that some contestants ended up being hospitalized, and there was also an allegation that there were cases where they have gone over 20 hours without eating.

Will these allegations hurt the YouTube king’s popularity, the BBC wonders.

The rise and charity

It’s not the first time Mr Beast has been in the middle of a fight – but each time he manages to emerge unscathed.

In July, the 26-year-old American said he had hired investigators after his former co-host, Ava Kris Tyson, was accused of seducing a teenager.

Ava denied the allegations, but apologized for her “past behaviors” that were “unacceptable.”

MrBeast said he was “disgusted” by the “heavy accusations”.

Then other allegations surfaced, on an anonymous YouTube channel, from someone claiming to be a former employee, about the business practices.

Some of MrBeast’s philanthropic actions – such as building wells in Africa, or paying for operations on people with impaired vision and hearing – have drawn criticism of exploitation.

But his empire continues to grow. A day before the lawsuit was announced (last Wednesday) he revealed a partnership with fellow YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul for a new meal line, Lunchly.

As BBC journalist Tom Gerken reports, MrBeast has made his fortune through hard work. His most popular video has 652 million views.

Most of his philanthropy is less controversial—it includes donating houses, cash, and cars—which has helped build his image as one of the internet’s good guys.

According to its website, has delivered more than 25 million meals to the needy around the world.

People continue to flock to their social media accounts. In June, he acquired a total of such a number of subscribers on YouTube, which made this channel the largest in the world.

According to Socialblade, in the last 30 days alone MrBeast gained 5 million new subscribers.

The apology on YouTube

MrBeast isn’t the only YouTuber whose popularity has been fueled by controversy—others have weathered far more serious storms, with few facing serious consequences beyond a public apology.

For example, in 2015 the Logan Paulreceived backlash after he uploaded a video to his 15 million subscriber channel showing the body of a man who appeared to have killed himself.

After downloading the video, he shared another apology video, less than two minutes long, with the title “I’m so sorry.”

He now has 23 million subscribers, has a wildly popular sports drink line, and until August was the World Wrestling Federation USA Champion.

Other YouTubers, such as Pewdiepie, James Charles, and Jeffree Star, have come under heavy criticism, but have continued their careers with a “sorry” video

Apparently, YouTubers are quick and easy to forgive.

What’s next for MrBeast

While MrBeast’s fan base continues to grow, the controversy is currently raging and his next move could determine his long-term success.

James Lunn, chief strategist at Savvy Marketingsays MrBeast is “in an incredibly unique position” with a “versatile” commercial brand that spans multiple industries.

“We’re really in uncharted waters,” he says, and “a proactive approach, dealing with issues transparently and ensuring accountability, could protect his brand.”

OR trademark specialist Catherine Shuttleworth says MrBeast’s high profile could act as a bulwark against backlash, but reckons the recent lawsuit could prove difficult.

“When it comes to business ventures, especially those aimed at families and children – like Feastables chocolates or Lunchly – it’s a different story,” he says.

In August 2023, I wrote about MrBeast as soon to take the YouTube crown, despite having half the subscribers at the time. Now he faces additional challenges as his reputation grows while much of the internet eagerly awaits his response to what is, so far, one side of a complex story, concludes the BBC reporter.