MrBeast, YouTube’s top creator, admits to using inappropriate language in the past
NEW YORK — The most popular creator on YouTube, MrBeast, who wields significant influence over young viewers, admitted on Wednesday that he used “inappropriate language” in his early days online, amid multiple controversies surrounding him and a former collaborator.
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, and his estimated $700 million empire have faced renewed criticism recently following accusations of past racist remarks by Donaldson and claims that a colleague made inappropriate sexual comments to minors.
According to a spokesperson for the YouTuber, “When Jimmy was a teenager, he used inappropriate language while attempting to be humorous, like many kids. He has since apologized multiple times over the years and realized that having more influence also means having more responsibility to be conscious and sensitive about the impact of words. As an adult, he has shifted his focus towards collaborating with the MrBeast community to create a positive influence globally.”
His meticulously crafted videos showcasing bizarre challenges and extravagant gifts, often paired with eye-catching thumbnails and catchy titles, have attracted a record 307 million YouTube subscribers. His recent uploads, such as “Ages 1 – 100 Decide Who Wins $250,000” and “I Built 100 Houses And Gave Them Away!” have each garnered over 100 million views.
The philanthropic community has responded to his content with a combination of commendation for promoting direct generosity and condemnation for exploitative “inspiration porn.” Donaldson’s broader aspirations have been evident in recent years through the launch of his snack brand Feastables, a branded burger chain with unfavorable reviews leading to a lawsuit against the company, and a deal with Amazon Prime Video for a reality competition show featuring 1,000 contestants.
Before gaining fame on YouTube for his eccentric acts of charity, Donaldson amassed a substantial following as a gaming content producer who occasionally engaged with viewers through live streams.
In a video clip from 2017 shared by YouTube influencer Rosanna Pansino, Donaldson responded to a viewer’s comment about selling Black individuals for money by saying, “the most I would pay is probably 300.” He also used a derogatory term for homosexuals on multiple occasions. Donaldson eventually told his audience to refrain from using a racial slur in the chat after one viewer repeated it.
Pansino, who has collaborated with Donaldson on various potential business projects over the years, revealed that Donaldson’s content was not always “family friendly,” contrary to popular belief.
She expressed surprise at Donaldson’s history of making offensive and inappropriate comments, stating, “I had no idea that history was there.”
During a podcast appearance in May 2017, Donaldson made inappropriate comments about the rapper Bhad Bhabie, who was 14 years old at the time. The video was later removed for violating YouTube’s guidelines.
Podcast co-host Leon Lush defended Donaldson in a recent video, stating that Donaldson had clarified his statements and would not engage in such behavior because of Bregoli’s age.
Lush dismissed the controversy surrounding the podcast episode as an overreaction, emphasizing that the recording is “cringe in hindsight.”
He noted that sometimes, the content produced by Donaldson resulted from a mix of dark humor and a desire for attention, which may not have been the best approach.
These clips emerged as online investigators alleged that longtime collaborator Ava Kris Tyson engaged in inappropriate interactions with minors on the internet.
Tyson’s past conversations with an underage fan, including discussions about inappropriate content, have been scrutinized. The fan denied any wrongdoing and described the accusations as false.
In a post on X, Nate Weyman revealed details about Tyson’s behavior, including sharing pornographic images in a private Discord server with minors.
Following the allegations, Tyson announced her departure from MrBeast and social media, prompting Donaldson to express his disapproval of such actions and launch an investigation into the claims.
Donaldson defended Tyson against transphobic attacks and refuted accusations made by a former employee regarding the legitimacy of his videos.
Chucky Appleby, a co-founder of ViewStats, defended Donaldson against the accusations, stating that the former employee was dismissed due to erratic behavior and denying any deception in the videos.
Appleby emphasized Donaldson’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of his content and expressed disappointment at the spread of false claims.
Several social media users and the underage fan involved in the allegations were contacted for further information.
Matthew Wade, a sociology lecturer specializing in charity ethics, praised Beast Philanthropy for its partnerships with reputable organizations, noting that Donaldson’s unconventional style has helped nonprofits reach a wider audience.
However, Wade cautioned that the controversies surrounding the MrBeast brand could potentially tarnish the reputation of charitable organizations associated with him.
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits is supported by The Conversation US in collaboration with Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is responsible for the content. For more philanthropy coverage by AP, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.