MrBeast Controversy: Is World’s Most Popular YouTuber Getting Canceled?

MrBeast has found himself embroiled in controversy lately, which begs the question: Can the world’s most popular YouTuber be canceled? Newsweek spoke to various PR crisis experts to find out.

At 26 years old, MrBeast—real name Jimmy Donaldson—holds the record for the most subscribers on YouTube, with 311 million followers at the time of writing. According to Forbes, in 2022 he was earning $54 million a year, mostly from ads on his YouTube videos. He has also become known for giving back to his followers, often uploading videos of his charitable acts.

MrBeast’s videos—many of which involve viral stunts and challenges or massive giveaways—cost millions to produce. One of his most popular, and most expensive, videos to create was a real-life recreation of the hit Netflix show Squid Game. It has more than 647 million views on YouTube and cost $3.5 million.

The YouTuber has been lauded online for his generosity and the quality of the content he has produced, but in recent weeks, he has been referred to as a “fraud” by some for allegedly staging content and accused of knowingly hiring a registered sex offender.

Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for MrBeast for comment on Tuesday.

Use of Inappropriate Language

MrBeast issued an apology after a video resurfaced online featuring him using racial and homophobic slurs. He acknowledged the video in a statement provided to Variety by his representative.

“When Jimmy was a teenager he acted like many kids and used inappropriate language while trying to be funny,” his rep said.

“Over the years he has repeatedly apologized and has learned that increasing influence comes with increased responsibility to be more aware and more sensitive to the power of language. After making some bad jokes and other mistakes when he was younger, as an adult he has focused on engaging with the MrBeast community to work together on making a positive impact around the world.”

Concerning Allegations

A person claiming to have worked for MrBeast accused the social media star of having prior knowledge of the allegations that have been leveled against his frequent collaborator, Ava Kris Tyson.

Tyson, who made regular appearances on the hugely popular MrBeast channel, has faced recent scrutiny for her interactions with someone using the social media handle LavaGS that started when he was 13 and Tyson was 20.

The controversy arose when a video was shared on YouTube in June. The clip analyzed the pair’s public online interactions that included references to nude images, sex and anime pornography hentai. According to NBC News, the posts in question were taken down as of July 24.

“Over the last few days, I’ve become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson’s behavior online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts,” MrBeast wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure I have all the facts. That said, I’ve seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast. I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions.

“I will allow the independent investigators the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and will take any further actions based on their findings.”

However, a Reddit user identifying only as “Dawson” alleged in a video posted on the platform earlier that MrBeast had prior knowledge of the situation. In another post, the person said that he had provided proof of being employed by MrBeast to Reddit moderators. “Dawson” provided no evidence to support his allegations of having worked for MrBeast at any time or of the “proof” he claims to have provided to Reddit.

Newsweek has contacted a representative of MrBeast via email and Tyson via X for comment.

Tyson denied the allegations in a post made to X and apologized if any of her past behavior or comments “hurt or offended anyone.”

This isn’t the only concerning allegation that has arisen as another former employee—who goes by the username DogPack404 on YouTube—accused MrBeast of hosting “illegal lotteries” and staging content and another accused him of knowingly hiring a registered sex offender.

In a video on the platform, DogPack404 interviewed former MrBeast employee Jake Weddle, who claims that in the past, MrBeast knowingly hired a registered sex offender.

“Well, there was a known sex offender, a registered sex offender, convicted sex offender on the registry and everything, who worked there,” he said.

Weddle claims that Mr. Beast was aware of the individual’s purported past of doing “not great stuff to some underage people,” and to shield the fact that the man worked there, MrBeast had him wear a mask on camera.

Weddle said “Delaware” was the name that was used internally for the individual, who is no longer employed by the company. Jake Franklin, another former employee of MrBeast, claimed on X that the individual was his brother-in-law after people online attempted to identify who the person was.

“Yes Delaware is my Brother-In-Law. Yes he is a RSO. When he was 21, a 16 year old girl accused him and others of SA when she was 11. Delaware took a Plea Deal. That’s why there was no jail time, but he still had to register,” part of Franklin’s post reads.

“He was hired before I was, and was actually the reason I got hired at MrBeast. Before being hired, Delaware sat down with Jimmy and Sue (Jimmy’s Mom) and explained to them everything. So yes, Jimmy knew. But again, this incident happened in 2010, Delaware was hired in 2017/2018. Delaware was also let go from the company before I was.

“Delaware was supposed to be a behind the scenes Manager. But in a couple videos, he was asked to partake because we needed people. He was reluctant, especially in the straight jacket video because of his charges, and that’s why he wore the mask.”

Franklin claimed that the charges against his brother-in-law were due to be dropped later this year. He called “Delaware” a “good person” before saying he understands why anyone would be upset and frustrated over the allegations, but he believes his family member did nothing wrong.

Video Dislikes and Losing Followers

MrBeast hasn’t addressed the various allegations in any of his YouTube videos and on August 17 he uploaded the video 7 Days Stranded In A Cave. At the time of writing, it had 3.3 million likes and 1.5 million dislikes. While YouTube has removed the ability to see the dislikes on a video, certain internet extensions allow users to view them.

That is a considerably more negative ratio than what MrBeast is used to. Comparatively, his video 7 Days Stranded At Sea uploaded on August 5, 2023, has 7.5 million likes and 89,000 dislikes.

According to social media analytics tracker Social Blade, MrBeast’s follower count has also dipped. While his YouTube channel has gained 6 million followers in the last 30 days, according to the website, the follower count has dropped by 66.7 percent in the same time frame.

His video views have also dropped in the last month. While at the time of writing it sat at an impressive 2.038 billion, that is 6.1 percent less than normal.

Experts Weigh In

According to Thomas Mustac, a senior publicist at OtterPR, people like MrBeast operate in a space where admiration and scrutiny exist side by side. Even though MrBeast has faced a variety of controversies and hurdles, Mustac believes the YouTuber’s brand has shown resilience.

“While his subscriber growth has slowed down, it suggests that his loyal fan base remains active,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the growing number of dislikes and negative attention may indicate the beginning of a reputation challenge if not handled effectively. As someone versed in crisis management, MrBeast’s response to this situation will be pivotal. Being transparent, addressing concerns directly, and implementing changes to his content or conduct could help minimize any harm. Conversely, neglecting or mishandling these issues could escalate them into repercussions.

“Considering MrBeast’s influence, it is plausible that this criticism will subside as it has in previous instances. However, each scenario is unique. The cumulative impact of recurring controversies could gradually diminish his brand if not managed cautiously. Taking measures now could reverse this trend and strengthen his bond with his audience, leading to a more positive and hopeful future for MrBeast.”

Contrecia T. Tharpe, the chief storyteller and strategist at FayeVaughn Creative, told Newsweek that while MrBeast is facing multiple challenges right now, this doesn’t mean his empire is crumbling.

She explained that while his followers may be reacting by leaving unimpressed comments, disliking his videos and unfollowing the internet star, the generous reputation he has built for himself won’t simply disappear.

“Let’s be clear—he’s built his brand on authenticity and giving back,” Tharpe said. “That kind of goodwill doesn’t just vanish overnight. However, he can’t afford to stay quiet or hope this blows over. He needs to step up, confront these issues directly, and remind people why they’ve supported him all this time.

“To truly turn this around, MrBeast has to be transparent about what’s going on—dodging or downplaying it isn’t going to cut it. The accusations of faking videos and mistreating people strike at the core of what his brand stands for. He should distance himself from legal tactics that could harm his image and instead focus on strategies that align with his values.

“By doubling down on the honesty and philanthropy that made him popular, he can start to rebuild trust. This isn’t just about damage control; it’s about reestablishing the connection with his audience and proving he’s still the person they’ve believed in all along.”

Stephanie Alston, the president of BGG Enterprises, agreed that MrBeast needs to prioritize transparency and accountability to turn things around. However, she said that even though the YouTuber may seem “untouchable,” even the most influential creators can be affected by sustained negative press and public scrutiny.

Alston explained that while the backlash and bad press MrBeast has been receiving may not cripple his platform immediately, it could erode trust over time.

“For someone as big as MrBeast, public sentiment matters because his brand is built on relatability and generosity. If the public perceives a disconnect between his actions and the image he’s crafted, that could be damaging,” she said.

Alston also recommended that the YouTuber distances himself and added: “Even for creators as big as MrBeast, staying genuine and responsive to criticism is crucial for continued success.”

MrBeast Orders Assessment of Company

It was revealed this month that MrBeast mandated an evaluation of his whole business to “foster a better internal culture.”

According to a confidential memo sent to MrBeast employees obtained by the Associated Press, he also hired law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan to investigate “allegations of inappropriate behavior by people in the company.”

“As your leader, I take responsibility, and I am committed to continue to improve and evolve my leadership style,” MrBeast wrote. “I recognize that I also need to create a culture that makes all our employees feel safe and allows them to do their best work.”