The highly anticipated reality competition series “beast games controversy,” hosted by YouTube megastar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and premiering on Amazon Prime Video in December 2024, has been met with significant controversy even before and shortly after its release. The show, featuring 1,000 contestants vying for a $10 million prize, the largest in reality TV history, has been overshadowed by allegations of mistreatment and unsafe working conditions during filming.
Lawsuit Alleges “Chronic Mistreatment”
In September 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by five anonymous contestants against MrBeast’s production company, MrB2024, LLC, and Amazon. The lawsuit alleges a range of serious issues, including:
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Contestants reported being subjected to dangerous circumstances without adequate safety measures, leading to numerous injuries.
- Lack of Basic Necessities: Allegations include insufficient food, water, and denial of medication and basic hygiene products. Some contestants claimed they were forced to sleep on stadium floors.
- Unpaid Wages and Expenses: The lawsuit claims contestants were not paid adequately for their time and labor, with some alleging they haven’t received promised compensation or prizes.
- Sexual Harassment: Disturbing accusations of sexual harassment on set have also been made by some contestants.
- Emotional Distress: The overall environment and alleged mistreatment reportedly caused contestants significant emotional distres
- Misleading Information: Claims suggest contestants were misled about the initial number of participants (2,000 instead of the advertised 1,000 for the televised show).
Crew Members Echo Concerns
Adding to the controversy, anonymous crew members corroborated some of the contestants’ claims in reports by outlets like the New York Times and Rolling Stone. They described the production as “disorganized,” “wild,” and potentially unsafe, citing instances of electrical equipment near water, extreme heat in warehouses, and a set collapse that hospitalized a crew member.
“Squid Game” Comparisons and Ethical Concerns
Critics and viewers have drawn parallels between “Beast Games” and the dystopian Netflix series “Squid Game,” where contestants compete in deadly games for a large sum of money. Some argue that while “Squid Game” offers a critique of capitalism and exploitation, “Beast Games” unintentionally celebrates these ideas by allegedly mistreating its contestants in the pursuit of entertainment and profit. Concerns have also been raised about MrBeast’s partnership with companies with questionable financial practices.
MrBeast’s Response
MrBeast has addressed the controversy indirectly. On social media, he suggested that behind-the-scenes footage would reveal the claims were “blown out of proportion,” but stated he couldn’t release it to avoid spoilers. In a February 2025 interview, he mentioned that his lawyers were handling the situation but claimed that the majority of contestants he spoke with had a great time and wanted to return.
Impact and Future
Despite the controversies and mixed critical reception (with some citing a disappointing finale), “Beast Games” has reportedly been a significant hit for Amazon Prime Video in terms of viewership. However, the ongoing lawsuit and negative publicity raise questions about the ethical implications of large-scale reality competitions and could potentially impact the show’s future.
The “Beast Games” controversy serves as a stark reminder of the potential human cost behind the spectacle of high-stakes entertainment and has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of production companies and the treatment of participants in reality television.