Jimmy ‘MrBeast’, the YouTuber with the most subscribers, has reinvented the organization over time. With his attention-grabbing videos featuring large-scale activities and humanitarian undertakings where he distributes significant sums of money to needy people and supports charity organizations, MrBeast has carved out a place for himself.
His generosity, which frequently includes ample monetary donations, is criticized for perpetuating a culture of reliance rather than solving structural problems, and his ‘stunts’ have been compared to 'poverty or charity porn'. Here are 5 times MrBeast was criticized for his philanthropic acts
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1. Giving $100,000 to a homeless person
Since making his debut in 2017, MrBeast experienced criticism for his charitable acts for the first time in 2018. The video 'Giving $100,000 To A Homeless Person' contributed $100,000 to a person in need, following in the footsteps of his debut video, in which he gave 10% of the profits to another homeless person.
But because MrBeast had already made a name for himself on YouTube through his charitable activities, many people immediately began to criticize his acts. The debate brought to light questions about the long-term viability of individual monetary donations, its unexpected repercussions, and ultimately the morality of turning charitable deeds into showbiz performances.
2. Shoes and food donation
In March 2023, MrBeast encountered harsh criticism for his charitable work once more. The deed involves giving 20,000 pairs of shoes to the Barefoot No More initiative in South Africa, which aims to provide school shoes for the country's many young people.
While many viewers saw this as another selfless deed by MrBeast, some were quick to charge that he was making money off of other people's suffering.
MrBeast was quick to deny these allegations, claiming he has never profited from his Beast Burger business operations and that he only got involved "because restaurants were struggling, and I wanted to give them a way to earn extra money," as per Sportskeeda.
3. Helping disabled people
MrBeast has increased his focus on producing videos about ‘helping’ disabled people after facing harsh criticism, according to Indy100, for a video in which he assisted in treating 1,000 people's eyesight. His most recent post has him assisting 1,000 hearing impaired in ‘hearing for the first time’.
MrBeast can be heard calling the names of those for whom he purchased hearing aids in a video posted to his 150 million-strong YouTube channel on May 6, 2023, adding that he also helped "entire families hear their loved ones again."
While MrBeast receives criticism, it's crucial to remember that he also has a considerable following of followers who value and support his charitable endeavors. The complaints highlight how challenging it is to balance generosity, entertainment, and the obligation to use power and money to further good deeds.
4. Car giveaway
In his March 2023 TikTok video, MrBeast gifted a waitress a vehicle. However, some viewers took issue with the fact that the ‘act of kindness’ also seemed to be a promotion for the YouTuber's chocolate company, according to Insider.
MrBeast looked to be conversing with his server, Amy, in a TikTok video that was uploaded on March 27. Amy's name was mentioned in the title of the video. He asked her what is the biggest tip she has ever got to which she replied $50. After this, he handed her the keys to a car and gifted it to her.
The video garnered 50 million views on TikTok, making it Donaldson's most well-liked post in March. The author of the post added in a remark made from his account that he would be giving away more automobiles on social media if customers purchased more of his items.
5. Helping the blind
MrBeast stated that he has funded 1,000 people's cataract surgeries in January 2023. Although the video has received over 71 million views, some have criticized it as 'charity porn'.
In reaction to claims that the video was solely produced for financial benefit, the 24-year-old tweeted that the "average MrBeast video lost $1,500,000 last year."
The expense and accessibility of eye surgery in various regions of the world raised questions and worries as more people saw the film. Rich influencers, according to some, shouldn't be utilized to try to solve larger issues in society and healthcare. But not everyone is in agreement, and some people applaud him for bringing awareness.
