A lawsuit has been filed against YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Amazon by five unnamed contestants from the reality competition show “Beast Games,” which was produced for Prime Video. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on September 16, 2024, alleges that the participants were subjected to “chronic mistreatment,” sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions during the competition. The show, which boasts a $100 million budget and involves over 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million cash prize, is being accused of numerous violations, including failure to provide minimum wages, overtime pay, proper meal and rest breaks, and adequate medical care.
The lawsuit claims that contestants experienced harsh and unsafe conditions during filming, including deprivation of food, sleep, and basic hygiene. According to the complaint, the first round of the competition took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in July, with subsequent rounds filmed in Toronto in August. Several contestants were reportedly hospitalized, and female participants allegedly faced a hostile environment, particularly in the form of sexual harassment. The plaintiffs’ attorneys claim the production created a dangerous and degrading atmosphere, leading to both physical and emotional distress for the participants.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of all “Beast Games” contestants, aiming to hold Amazon and MrBeast’s production company, MRB2024, accountable for unpaid wages, punitive damages, and the alleged mistreatment of participants. The complaint also highlights a “How to Succeed in MrBeast Production” handbook, which allegedly encouraged staff to support inappropriate behavior by contestants. One plaintiff, identified as “Contestant 5,” expressed her disappointment with the experience, stating that although she had been a fan of MrBeast, she felt dehumanized and mistreated during the production.
The legal action contends that the contestants were not only neglected but also coerced into participating in dangerous games that put their physical and mental well-being at risk. According to the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, Robert Pafundi, the law entitles the contestants to certain protections as employees, protections that were allegedly ignored by the production staff. The lawsuit aims to hold the defendants accountable for what the plaintiffs describe as severe neglect, mistreatment, and failure to meet their legal obligations under California law.
Amazon has yet to announce a release date for “Beast Games,” which it has promoted as “the world’s largest live gameshow” with the “biggest single prize in television and streaming history.” Neither Amazon nor representatives for MrBeast have commented on the lawsuit.
