The Toxic Company Culture That Could Bring MrBeast Down (2 of 4)

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.