MrBeast and Amazon are the target of a class-action suit from five anonymous contestants of the reality competition show “Beast Games.” Contestants filed a complaint that points to severe mistreatment, terrible working conditions, and basic sexual harassment during the taping of the show.
The lawsuit filed on September 16, 2023, is a litany of frightening accusations. Contestants allege they were subjected to chronic mistreatment, including the denial of basic needs and sleep and medical care. Many contestants reportedly have serious health problems; among the most prevalent is dehydration. At least one contestant had been hospitalized, casting a question as to the safety protocols during filming.
The description of the environment is that it was physically and emotionally demanding on set. The lawsuit also claims female contestants faced sexual harassment and a hostile work atmosphere. Plaintiffs say production failed to create a safe atmosphere-cum–high-stakes competition, with a $5 million prize pool.
Claims of unsafe conditions are buttressed by claims of false promises of the nature of the competition. Specifically, advertisements for “Beast Games” misrepresented the number of contestants in the competition, the lawsuit says, giving participants lousy odds of winning the grand prize. The show featured more than 1,000 participants, plaintiffs say, when far fewer were advertised and represented to them.
The lawsuit also claims that contestants were forced to sign contracts that released certain legal claims without an adequate amount of time to review. The claim is that these contracts put the participants in hard positions where they could not fathom the full production and defend their rights, accordingly.
All five plaintiffs are looking to certify the suit as a class-action to include the participation of other contestants who feel similarly harmed. The suit seeks unpaid wages and expenses, in addition to punitive damages over the emotional and physical distress endured during the shooting of “Beast Games.”
What allegations of sexual harassment and hostile work environment against MrBeast and Amazon reach is a much deeper questioning of their character. If the case is proven valid, it might as well attract some heavy financial penalties besides reputational damage and loss of sponsorships and brand partnerships.
