MrBeast's 'Beast Games' Faces Lawsuit: Contestants Allege Exploitation, Harassment

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Amazon and the production company behind Beast Games, alleging that contestants were subjected to exploitation, harassment, and unsafe working conditions.

Consumers Affected: Contestants who participated in Beast Games.

A new class action lawsuit accuses Amazon and the production company behind Beast Games of exploiting contestants and fostering a hostile, unsafe work environment.

Filed in Los Angeles, the lawsuit claims the show, hosted by YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson (better known as MrBeast), subjected contestants to unreasonable working conditions, including sexism and misogyny, with contestants alleging sexual harassment was not only tolerated but encouraged. 

What Is 'Beast Games' and Why Is It Facing a Lawsuit?

Beast Games, touted as one of the biggest reality competitions in television history, was created by YouTube Star and philanthropist Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast. The show features a $5 million prize and contestants facing physical challenges similar to those seen on MrBeast’s popular YouTube channel, NBC reports.

The Amazon-produced show, currently filming in Canada and Panama, involves 1,000 contestants, and promises the largest single payout in reality TV. However, according to the lawsuit, contestants discovered a twist upon arrival that significantly reduced their chances of winning the prize, although the heavily redacted lawsuit doesn’t make clear what. 

Contestants Allege Unpaid Wages, Inhumane Working Conditions

The lawsuit, filed by five unnamed plaintiffs, claims contestants were coerced into signing “unconscionable contracts” that mischaracterized their employment status to avoid paying minimum wage, overtime, and providing worker protections.

Additionally, it alleges the production improperly claimed a $2.2 million tax credit for filming in Nevada, by misleadingly classifying contestants as Nevada residents, The Hollywood Reporter states.

Contestants accuse Amazon and the production team of subjecting them to inhumane working conditions. They were allegedly confined in small spaces, deprived of food and rest, and pushed into physically and mentally demanding challenges without proper medical support.

The lawsuit describes contestants as "underfed, overtired" and competing in high-stress scenarios that led to several injuries. It also claims there was insufficient medical staff on set to address the injuries.

Sexual Harassment and Misogyny Reported On Set of 'Beast Games'

Beyond unsafe conditions, the lawsuit describes a "culture of misogyny and sexism" on the set, with contestants claiming to have been subjected to sexual harassment. The complaint cites an employee handbook, “How to Succeed in MrBeast Production,” which allegedly condoned inappropriate behavior, stating, “It’s okay for the boys to be childish” and “help them be idiots.”

This toxic work environment, according to the lawsuit, disproportionately affected female contestants, who were humiliated and given unfair disadvantages. The plaintiffs argue that concerns were dismissed, with the show’s leadership seemingly encouraging the conduct. While specific incidents of harassment remain redacted, the complaint alleges a systematic nature of the mistreatment.

Reality Shows Under Scrutiny: Lawsuits Highlight Contestant Mistreatment

Beast Games isn’t the first reality show to face such accusations. Netflix’s Love Is Blind was sued by contestant Jeremy Hartwell, who alleged the show fostered inhumane working conditions, depriving contestants of food, water, and adequate wages. 

Similarly, a contestant on Survivor alleged sexual harassment on the show (just one of a number of lawsuits the long running show has faced), and an American Idol contestant alleged they were manipulated and exploited for the sake of entertainment, with a preliminary settlement reportedly reached.

The lawsuit against Beast Games brings claims of unpaid wages, sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions, and false advertising. If successful, Amazon and the production team could face millions in damages, representing all contestants who participated in the series, THR reports.

Have you watched reality shows like "Beast Games"? Do you have any concerns about the treatment of contestants on such shows? Share your thoughts in the comments below.