MrBeast, the online video production firm led by content creator Jimmy Donaldson, announced on Friday that it has terminated between five and ten employees following a thorough investigation into the company’s workplace environment.
A representative from the company opted not to specify the exact number of individuals dismissed, nor did they disclose any details surrounding the identities of those let go or the reasons for their termination. This internal reshuffle surfaces amid growing concerns regarding Donaldson’s public persona, which has faced scrutiny due to serious allegations regarding the behaviors of himself, his associates, and others within his expansive production company that have put his wholesome brand image at risk.
The investigation, overseen by prominent trial lawyer Alex Spiro from the esteemed law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, revealed “several isolated instances of workplace harassment and misconduct,” as per a two-page letter sent to the company. The review did not, however, substantiate claims that members of the MrBeast team engaged in sexual misconduct or that they knowingly hired individuals with dubious pasts or tendencies towards illegal behaviors.
Spiro reported that the investigative team spoke with 39 current and former employees and sifted through a large volume of documents, including communications from phones, emails, and messages on platforms like Discord and Slack.
The controversies surrounding Donaldson, widely known as the “King of YouTube,” began to escalate this past summer. Ava Tyson, a close friend of Donaldson and fellow content creator, was accused of sending inappropriate sexual communications to minors over several years, prompting her departure from the channel in July. Additionally, an old recording featuring the creator making offensive remarks and employing homophobic language resurfaced online, further damaging his reputation.
Filming for Donaldson’s ambitious Amazon Prime Video project titled “Beast Games” faced immediate objections in July when participants raised issues related to inadequate food and medical provisions during the competition, which was marketed with a grand prize of $5 million.
In response to these issues, the MrBeast organization has welcomed new executives, including a head of personnel and a general counsel. Additionally, certain employees are undergoing “targeted training and executive coaching” due to unspecified breaches of company policy.
Reflecting on the rapid escalation of the company, Spiro communicated to MrBeast’s Board of Directors that the firm has experienced significant growth from its origins as a small YouTube start-up to a larger organization. He noted that as companies expand, essential policies and practices may not always keep pace with their commercial success.
While Donaldson has largely refrained from addressing these controversies directly, he has ventured into new business opportunities, recently collaborating with internet figures Logan Paul and KSI to launch a pre-packaged lunch brand. This marks another foray into the food sector, continuing after mixed reviews for his previous chocolate bar and burger venture. His YouTube channel, boasting 325 million subscribers, continues to release vibrant, high-energy content like the recently featured “100 Identical Twins Fight For $250,000.”
In his post on social media sharing Spiro’s findings, Donaldson stated that he was asked to avoid public comments to facilitate a comprehensive and unbiased investigation. Critic Rosanna Pansino, who has been vocal about the allegations, took to social media to express that the findings of workplace misconduct and the number of firings may warrant a broader investigation.
Advertising lawyer Robert Freund noted that Donaldson’s rapid rise to fame is quite unique and suggested that the release of this letter aims to reassure stakeholders about the professionalism of the operation. He remarked that the contents of the letter do not appear suspicious or unusual to the public eye.