Jimmy Donaldson, known to millions as MrBeast, faces mounting legal challenges as details of a 2018 arrest have surfaced while his production company battles multiple controversies.
The 26-year-old content creator, who commands YouTube’s largest individual following with 327 million subscribers, was arrested on January 21, 2018, after allegedly participating in a high-speed race on a North Carolina highway. According to records from the Tarboro Police Department in North Carolina, Donaldson was clocked driving at 122 mph in a 70 mph zone.
The then 19-year-old Donaldson was charged with reckless driving, speeding, and engaging in a speed competition. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
The revelation comes as Donaldson’s company faces a class-action lawsuit from five contestants who participated in his upcoming Amazon reality show “Beast Games.” The unnamed participants allege “unreasonable, unsafe and unlawful employment conditions” during production.
The 54-page lawsuit claims the production created a “toxic and hostile” environment, particularly for female participants. Contestants report being denied access to food, water, and medical care, with several requiring hospitalization for dehydration.
The suit seeks $5 million in damages and workplace reforms. Specifically, the legal filing accuses Donaldson’s company of failing to provide minimum wages, overtime pay, uninterrupted meal breaks, and rest periods.
A separate investigation into workplace culture at MrBeast LLC recently concluded, resulting in the termination of between 5 and 10 employees. The probe, conducted by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, reviewed over 4.5 million documents and interviewed 39 current and former employees.
While the investigation found “several isolated instances of workplace harassment and misconduct,” it determined that allegations of sexual misconduct and claims about knowingly employing individuals with questionable histories were unfounded.
The company’s attorney, Alex Spiro, attributed the workplace issues to rapid growth, stating that corporate policies had not kept pace with commercial success. In response, MrBeast LLC has implemented new leadership positions and mandated company-wide sensitivity training.
Despite these controversies, Donaldson’s influence continues to expand. Forbes reports his 2024 earnings at $85 million, generated through YouTube advertising, brand partnerships, merchandise sales, food ventures, and gaming initiatives.