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Star YouTuber Mr Beast acknowledged his use of “inappropriate language” in his early online days after clips from 2017 podcasts which included racist and sexist comments resurfaced.
YouTube influencer Rosanna Pansino posted a clip on X on 24 July, which showed the content creator, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, responding to a viewer’s comment about “selling Black people for money”. Donaldson said “the most I would pay is probably 300”.
In the same clip, he also used a homophobic slur several times and when his audience responded with a racial insult repeatedly, he finally had to tell them to stop using the slur in the comments.
“When Jimmy was a teenager he acted like many kids and used inappropriate language while trying to be funny,” a spokesperson for the YouTuber said in a statement to the Associated Press.
“Over the years he has repeatedly apologised and has learned that increasing influence comes with increased responsibility to be more aware and more sensitive to the power of language.
“After making some bad jokes and other mistakes when he was younger, as an adult he has focused on engaging with the MrBeast community to work together on making a positive impact around the world.”
In a different clip from a podcast from May 2017, Donaldson suggested he would have sex with rapper Bhad Bhabie, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli. Bhad Bhabie was 14 years old at the time the statement was made and the video has since been removed for “violating YouTube’s community guidelines”.
Podcast co-host Leon Lush posted a video on X last week defending Donaldson, and claiming the statement was intended to “say something offensive that people can take out of context”.
Lush said Donaldson clarified that he “wouldn’t do that” because Bregoli was “way too young” later in the clip.
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These allegations come amid grooming accusations against his longtime collaborator Ava Kris Tyson.
Tyson, 28, has been accused of sending inappropriate messages to a minor. Tyson has strongly denied all allegations.
Donaldson, in a statement on X, said: “Over the last few days, I’ve become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson’s behaviour online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts.
“During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure I have all the facts. That said, I’ve seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast. I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions.”
Tyson first joined MrBeast’s channel in 2012, and has been subjected to transphobic attacks online since she came out as transgender last year.
Mr Beast has 307m subscribers on YouTube and over 103m on TikTok, and overtook Indian YouTube channel T-Series in June 2024 to become the platform’s most popular channel.
According to Forbes, Donaldson’s net worth was estimated to be around $500m (£392m) in 2022.
Earlier this year, the 26-year-old YouTuber reportedly signed a TV deal worth $100m with Amazon.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
