The Toxic Company Culture That Could Bring MrBeast Down (3 of 4)

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.