The Toxic Company Culture That Could Bring MrBeast Down

Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson has been a dominant force on YouTube ever since 2017, when a video of him counting to 100,000 went viral, but it seemed that 2024 would take things to an even higher level. Think about all he’s accomplished in recent months. In June 2024, he reached a milestone as his channel overtook T-Series, an Indian music channel, to become the largest on the platform, and just a few months earlier, a video of his smashed the record for most views in 24 hours. Furthermore, the 26-year-old signed a major deal with Amazon to produce Beast Games, a massive reality TV competition with 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million prize. He’s even launched a new toy line to be sold exclusively at Target. Yet, as the year comes to a close, a series of scandals threatens to unravel his empire.

Although MrBeast’s recent uploads still garner around 100 million views, this is a significant decline from the 250 million-plus views he often achieved in 2023. The once steady ascent of his brand now faces a significant crisis, with previously devoted fans questioning whether to stick with him.

Controversy Erupts

The trouble began in the summer with allegations involving Donaldson’s close collaborator Ava Tyson, who was accused of sending inappropriate messages to a minor in 2016. Tyson issued an apology and left MrBeast’s company, but the incident sparked further scrutiny. Internet sleuths uncovered the accusations of sexual assault within the organization. A former employee, YouTuber Dogpack404, detailed these allegations in a video, and has since faced legal threats from Donaldson’s lawyers.

Donaldson’s current image is polished and family-friendly, but his early YouTube days were filled with trollish humor typical of teenage internet culture. This history, coupled with accusations that he fosters a “boys’ club” atmosphere, has fueled concerns about the work culture at MrBeast’s company. Furthermore, Donaldson’s connections with controversial figures, such as billionaire Peter Thiel and fellow YouTuber Logan Paul, have compounded these worries. Thiel’s right-wing views and Paul’s history of scandals have made these partnerships particularly contentious.

Business Ventures Under Fire

Donaldson and Paul launched Lunchly, which is promoted as a healthier alternative to Lunchables, packaged with Prime energy drinks and MrBeast’s chocolate brand, Feastables. This venture has faced criticism, especially over the high caffeine levels in Prime, which has prompted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to call for an investigation. Donaldson has always emphasized that his side businesses fund his increasingly ambitious videos. But now, his reputation for generosity and transparency is being questioned as these controversies mount.

Donaldson’s Amazon deal for Beast Games has also come under fire due to lawsuits alleging poor working conditions, dangerous production environments, and harassment. His latest videos, despite reaching millions, struggle to maintain past levels of engagement. Fans are voicing dissatisfaction, with many lamenting the polished, overly-edited nature of his recent content, which they say lacks the authentic personality that once defined MrBeast’s brand.

Internal Challenges and Fan Backlash

Donaldson has quietly taken steps to address the growing controversies, including hiring a firm to investigate allegations and setting up better reporting mechanisms for employees. These measures, however, mark a departure from his earlier, more laid-back approach to running a business. Before August, Donaldson’s mother functioned as the company’s entire HR department, reflecting a lack of professional structure.

The fan community is reacting strongly to these revelations. On MrBeast’s YouTube channel, the comments section has become a space for discontent. Many fans demand answers, while others speculate about his downfall. On Reddit, MrBeast’s forum now restricts posts, which has only fueled frustration among users who feel the company is trying to silence criticism.

A Shifting Image

Donaldson’s rise has been defined by his unyielding ambition, often seen as a positive trait. However, the relentless drive that propelled him to fame now raises questions about the pressure he places on those around him. A leaked memo, verified by Business Insider, shows Donaldson instructing his team to never take “no” as an answer during production, suggesting a culture where pushing boundaries is expected.

Former employee Trey Yates, who worked with Donaldson until 2021, describes this mindset as a major issue. Yates, who says he was dismissed for questioning Donaldson’s unreasonable demands, recalls being required to work long hours at the expense of personal events like family birthdays. He suggests that Donaldson’s approach to his YouTube content, where he could push limits with little consequence, is now incompatible with the broader reach he seeks through ventures like Beast Games.

The Erosion of Trust

As more stories surface from former employees, Donaldson’s image as a self-made philanthropist is being re-examined. Fans like angelfacepeanut, who once supported him, express disappointment in his failure to live up to his moral claims. They see a contradiction between his outward generosity and the culture of his business, especially in light of Dogpack404’s allegations. The shift in perception has led many to question whether Donaldson’s brand of doing “whatever it takes” is ultimately sustainable.

For years, Donaldson operated with a sense of invincibility, free from the corporate constraints that shape many media entities. But as his audience expands beyond the platform where he first thrived, the scrutiny has increased. Fans now wonder if the YouTuber who once gave away $10,000 to a homeless man can maintain his generous image amidst these mounting challenges.

A Test of Resilience

The unfolding controversies have already impacted MrBeast’s business, with deals like a six-figure Feastables sponsorship being scrapped. Donaldson’s rapid response to address the internal fallout signals awareness of the seriousness of the situation. However, the change may come too late to quell the dissatisfaction spreading among his most devoted followers. As we enter the final months of 2024, the ultimate challenge for Donaldson is whether he can regain the trust of his audience while maintaining the ambitious growth that propelled him to the top in the first place.

MrBeast’s Comeback Attempt Falls Short with Ronaldo Collaboration

Mr. Beast is currently making every effort to regain his previously unparalleled popularity. One of his latest moves? Teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo for a high-profile podcast on the football superstar’s brand-new YouTube channel. Launched in August 2024, Ronaldo’s channel shattered records, amassing 30 million subscribers within just two days of his first upload.

Dubbed an “internet-breaking” event, the collaboration promised to be a game-changer. Ronaldo hyped the video days in advance, teasing fans with the cryptic hint that his next guest was destined to “break the internet.” Speculation ran wild, with many hoping for an epic crossover featuring Lionel Messi. Instead, viewers were surprised to find MrBeast as the featured guest.

Titled “I Meet MrBeast to Break the Internet!!”, the video explored everything from Ronaldo’s record-breaking career to MrBeast’s rise as a YouTube sensation. They also delved into the power of social media and its impact on modern fame. Despite its promising premise, the collaboration fell flat. The content simply didn’t meet the hype.

“Maybe he should have invited someone less controversial,” one fan commented, reflecting the underwhelming response.