MrBeast has initiated a comprehensive review of the internal culture within his YouTube empire, alongside an investigation into “allegations of inappropriate behavior by individuals within the company,” according to a confidential memo obtained by media.
The memo, addressed to “Team Beast” employees and sent on Wednesday, details upcoming infrastructure changes, including the appointment of a chief human resources officer and mandatory company-wide sensitivity training. This expanded investigation suggests that the internal issues at YouTube’s largest channel may be more extensive than the “serious allegations” involving a longtime collaborator, which MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, acknowledged last month.
Donaldson stated in the memo, “As your leader, I take responsibility, and I am committed to improving and evolving my leadership style. I recognize the need to foster a culture that ensures all employees feel safe and can perform at their best.”
A representative for MrBeast confirmed that the memo was distributed to employees. This development follows a challenging period for the YouTuber, who has been popular with young fans for his extravagant giveaways and charitable acts.
Last week, Donaldson admitted to using “inappropriate language” after past homophobic and racist remarks surfaced online. Additionally, his ambitious game show, featuring 1,000 competitors and a $5 million grand prize, faced safety complaints from participants who reported inadequate access to food, water, and medication.
The memo also discloses that Donaldson has enlisted the prestigious law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan to investigate accusations against his friend and fellow creator, Ava Tyson, who departed the company in July following allegations of inappropriate communication with minors.
In response, Donaldson informed employees that the company, founded by him in 2016 at age 18, is implementing several changes to “foster a better internal culture as we continue to grow.” Plans include hiring a chief financial officer and general counsel, establishing an “anonymous reporting mechanism,” and mandating training for all employees on topics such as safety, sexual harassment, LGBTQ issues, diversity, sensitivity, and workplace conduct.
Donaldson has recently expanded his reach beyond his main YouTube channel, which boasts a record 309 million subscribers. His other channels, “Beast Reacts” and “Beast Philanthropy,” have over 34 million and 25 million subscribers, respectively. While MrBeast Burger has faced criticism, his Feastables chocolate bars remain popular at Walmart, and Amazon Prime Video will soon feature “Beast Games,” described as the “biggest reality competition.”
Jake Bjorseth, founder of the Gen Z advertising agency Trndsttrs, notes that managing such a broad enterprise is challenging, especially when “an individual is the brand” and his image is closely tied to revenue. As the company becomes more “corporate,” Bjorseth suggests that Donaldson must find a balance between mitigating risks and preserving the “magic” for his followers.

The response to these controversies and any potential content adjustments could impact different segments of MrBeast’s extensive audience, Bjorseth adds.
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“There could be serious ramifications at the product level,” he says. “The next YouTube video release might need to address these issues, or it might continue as usual. They are in a precarious position.”
A MrBeast spokesperson told AP that the most recent video, posted on August 3 and titled “Survive 100 Days In Nuclear Bunker, Win $500,000,” became the second fastest in the channel’s history to reach 100 million views.