MrBeast & Amazon Sued By Beast Games Contestants
Five anonymous contestants of MrBeast's upcoming show, Beast Games, have filed a class-action lawsuit against MrBeast and Amazon, alleging sexual harassment, chronic mistreatment, and emotional distress on set. They claim unsafe conditions and unpaid wages, with contestants reportedly hospitalized and facing a hostile environment, particularly for women. The suit highlights negligence and inadequate care during production, seeking damages and legal fees.
Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is facing a class-action lawsuit along with Amazon, filed by five anonymous contestants from his upcoming show, Beast Games. The plaintiffs claim they experienced severe mistreatment during production, which has led to allegations of "sexual harassment," "emotional distress," and unsafe working conditions.
Details of the Lawsuit and Its Claims
The class-action lawsuit was submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on September 16. The highly anticipated show, produced by Amazon Prime Video, reportedly features the largest cash prize in reality television, offering $5 million to contestants. Filming locations included Toronto and Panama, and the production was expected to conclude in mid-September. Revelations from crew members suggested a troubling atmosphere on set, likening it to the notorious Fyre Festival, and raising concerns about a potentially unsafe working environment.
Allegations of Unpaid Wages and Emotional Distress
Various media reports have indicated that the lawsuit seeks compensation for unpaid wages, business expenses, attorney fees, and monetary damages, with a hefty production budget of $100 million cited. Plaintiffs claim that they were not paid minimum or overtime wages, did not receive proper meal breaks, and were exposed to unfair business practices. Legal representatives for the contestants argue that while participants knew they would face challenges during the competition, they encountered a far more distressing situation than anticipated, outlining instances where some contestants were hospitalized due to chronic mistreatment.
Hostile Conditions Reported by Female Contestants
Allegations detailed in the lawsuit disclose a hostile work environment, particularly impacting female contestants. The document claims that a culture of misogyny and sexism was prevalent, contributing to a lack of basic needs like medical care, sleep, and hygiene. Reports include accounts of sexual harassment, with one plaintiff expressing feelings of being devalued and disrespected throughout her experience on set.
Legal Insights and Next Steps
Robert Pafundi, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, emphasized the legal basis for the participants being classified as employees under California law, thus affording them specific rights and protections. He stated that the plaintiffs entered contracts with a promise of compensation and supervision by the production staff. The extreme conditions faced, including neglect and harassment, raise serious legal implications for the defendants. As of now, neither Amazon nor MrBeast has issued public comments regarding the lawsuit.
