The production department of MrBeast was visited by participants of the upcoming Beast Games reality competition show who claim they were subjected to exploitative working conditions.
In a class-action lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, five unnamed contestants claim they were underpaid and denied proper medical care, food and sleep. Some accuse production of fostering a “culture of misogyny and sexism” in which they were sexually harassed, and staff allegedly failed to conduct background checks.
In March, it was revealed that Amazon, which is named in the lawsuit, had signed a deal with MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, for his first traditional television show: a competition described as “the greatest reality competition series in television history.” Donaldson serves as host and executive producer.
According to the lawsuit, the contestants were forced to sign “unethical contracts with illegal terms and illusory obligations” that misrepresented their employment status. This served as a basis for production to circumvent protections related to minimum and overtime wages, mandatory meal breaks and workers’ compensation, the lawsuit says.
Additionally, the production was reportedly able to claim a $2.2 million tax credit for filming in Nevada. Had a large portion of the participants not been residents of the state, it likely would not have met the requirement that the percentage of qualified Nevada expenses be at least 60 percent, which is a prerequisite for receiving the tax break.
The heavily redacted lawsuit also allegedly details unsafe and inhumane working conditions. Contestants claim they were given little to eat, were monitored for days and were forced to take part in unreasonably dangerous challenges. Several contestants suffered injuries, the lawsuit says.
The alleged neglect of production staff led to sexual harassment, the complaint says. Although no specific incidents were mentioned, some participants say they were exposed to a “hostile and toxic work environment” in which women endured “severe embarrassment and unfair discrimination.” They claim their concerns were dismissed.
“Apparently this was allowed due to marching orders from the very top,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit refers to a manual distributed to employees titled “How to Make MrBeast Produce Successful,” which states, “It’s OK for the guys to act childish.” It goes on to say, “If the talent in the video wants to draw a dick on the whiteboard or do something else stupid, let them. Really do whatever you can to support the guys filming and help them create content. Help them be idiots.”
When announcing Beast GamesThe series was touted as the highest single payout in television and streaming history, with 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million prize. Contestants say they learned of a twist upon arriving on set that significantly reduced their chances of winning.
The proposed class action lawsuit includes claims for nonpayment of minimum and overtime wages, sexual harassment, unfair business practices and misleading advertising. It is intended to represent all participants in the series, who may be required to pay millions of dollars in damages, say the plaintiffs’ lawyers.
