YouTube sensation MrBeast and Amazon are facing a class-action lawsuit filed by contestants of their upcoming reality competition show, “Beast Games.” The lawsuit alleges that participants were subjected to unsafe working conditions, inadequate pay, and sexual harassment during filming.
“Unsafe” working conditions
Five anonymous contestants claim they were not adequately compensated for their participation and were forced to endure dangerous stunts and long hours without proper breaks or medical care, a California civil action said this week.
Several contestants reportedly required hospitalization due to the demanding nature of the show. The lawsuit also alleges that female contestants faced sexual harassment and discrimination throughout production.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks class-action status on behalf of all affected “Beast Games” contestants. It demands unpaid wages, expenses, and punitive damages – “likely totaling in the millions of dollars,” according to a press statement from the plaintiffs’ lawyers – from Amazon and MrBeast’s production company.
‘Largest game show in history’
“Beast Games” was set to be the largest game show in history, with a $100 million budget and a $5 million prize, Amazon said in a statement last March. It was set to premiere exclusively later this year or in early 2025 on Prime Video domestically and internationally.
At the time, MrBeast, who serves as host and executive producer of the show, said: “My goal is to make the greatest show possible and prove YouTubers and creators can succeed on other platforms. Amazon gave me the creative control I need to try and make it happen. I hope to make the YouTube community proud.”
Setback for MrBeast
This legal action marks a significant setback for MrBeast, who has built a massive following on YouTube (316 million subscribers) through his extravagant stunts and philanthropic endeavors.
It comes amidst growing scrutiny of MrBeast’s production practices. In July, he faced backlash for firing an employee accused of grooming minors. Additionally, old videos resurfaced in August, revealing him using homophobic and racist slurs.
If proven, the allegations of mistreatment and abuse could tarnish his reputation and have far-reaching consequences for his future projects.
Dark side of reality TV production
The lawsuit also sheds light on the dark side of reality TV production. The allegations of unsafe working conditions, inadequate pay, and sexual harassment highlight the potential for exploitation in the entertainment industry.
The case reveals how “contestants” may be misclassified as independent contractors, depriving them of essential worker protections. It also demonstrates the dangers of inadequate company policies and procedures, which can create an environment that enables sexual harassment even on high-profile productions.
Furthermore, the lawsuit underscores the legal risks of overpromising and under-delivering on advertised contest terms and conditions. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust compliance and risk management in the entertainment industry, regardless of a company’s size or reputation.
