A new lawsuit has been filed against MrBeast, one of YouTube’s biggest stars, and Amazon over the alleged mistreatment of contestants in the reality competition series, *Beast Games*. The complaint, which also includes claims of sexual harassment, seeks class-action status on behalf of five unnamed participants. “Participants were promised a challenging competition, but what they experienced went far beyond what was acceptable,” the plaintiffs’ legal team stated.
The Lawsuit Unfolds: Allegations and Claims
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on September 16, names Amazon, MrBeast’s production company (MRB2024), and Off One’s Base LLC as defendants. Contestants claim they were subjected to “chronic mistreatment” throughout the show’s production, including violations of fundamental labor rights, such as denied overtime pay, meal breaks, and rest periods.
Filming began in July 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where over 2,000 participants competed, with half advancing to the next round in Toronto in August. The competition promised high rewards—a $5 million prize—but the complaint argues that the show’s conditions jeopardized contestants’ health and safety.
Sexual Harassment and Inhumane Treatment Claims
According to the lawsuit, female participants reported enduring hostile work environments. “I wanted to join because I was a fan of MrBeast,” one plaintiff, Contestant 5, shared. “His videos made me smile during the pandemic. I expected challenges but never thought I’d be treated as less than nothing. As one of the women, it felt like a hostile environment.”
The plaintiffs allege that the production manual encouraged inappropriate behavior among male contestants. A section of the handbook reads: “If talent wants to draw a dick on the whiteboard or do something stupid, let them. Help them be idiots.”
The contestants claimed they lacked necessities, including medical care, sufficient food, sleep, and hygiene. Several participants reportedly required hospitalization due to these conditions.
Legal Perspective: Violation of California Labor Laws
Lead counsel Robert Pafundi emphasized that, under California law, contestants were entitled to protections typically provided to employees. “Their expectation of compensation, along with being under constant supervision of the production staff, makes them employees,” Pafundi said. “They were denied these protections, subjected to inhumane conditions, and must be held accountable.”
The lawsuit demands compensation for unpaid wages, other damages, and punitive measures against Amazon and MrBeast’s production company for the alleged neglect and misconduct.
The Fallout and Public Response
Both MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson and Amazon declined to comment when reached by Variety. The release date for *Beast Games* on Prime Video remains unannounced, though the show has been touted as “the world’s largest live game show.” MrBeast, with over 316 million YouTube subscribers, has built his brand through outrageous stunts and extravagant giveaways, but this lawsuit casts a shadow over his latest venture.
The lawsuit against MrBeast and Amazon raises severe questions about labor practices and the treatment of contestants in reality TV. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will closely watch how this high-profile case impacts the entertainment industry. With participants now demanding justice, the outcome of this case may reshape how future reality shows treat their contestants.