In a confidential memo obtained by The Associated Press, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has announced plans to conduct a full assessment of the internal culture within his YouTube empire. The memo, addressed to "Team Beast" employees and sent on Wednesday, details infrastructure changes such as hiring a chief human resources officer and implementing company-wide sensitivity training.
The memo comes in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behavior by individuals within the company, as well as recent controversies surrounding Donaldson himself. These include past instances of using inappropriate language and safety complaints from contestants on his ambitious game show.
To address these issues, Donaldson has hired a white-shoe law firm to investigate a former employee accused of sharing inappropriate sexual messages with minors. Additionally, plans are in place to hire a chief financial officer and general counsel, as well as offer mandatory training for all employees on various topics including safety, sexual harassment, LGBTQ issues, diversity, and workplace conduct.
Despite these challenges, MrBeast continues to expand his influence beyond his main YouTube channel, which boasts a record 309 million subscribers. Other channels and ventures under his brand have also garnered significant followings. However, managing such a large and diverse company presents its own set of challenges, particularly when the individual behind the brand is so closely associated with its success.
As MrBeast navigates these controversies and potential changes to his content, there is concern about potential backlash from his audience. The response to these challenges could impact not only the company's reputation but also its bottom line. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how MrBeast will address these issues and maintain the loyalty of his followers.