With half a billion fans, a personal fortune worth millions, and a global business empire, it would take a lot to unseat the biggest YouTube influencer, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast. However, a 54-page lawsuit now threatens to be his toughest challenge yet.

Five female contestants from the upcoming Prime Video series Beast Games have taken legal action against MrBeast’s production company MrB2024 and Amazon in Los Angeles. The show, described as the largest reality series ever produced, features 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million prize, but its future is now in jeopardy due to the lawsuit.

Among the numerous allegations, the plaintiffs claim they “suffered greatly and collectively” in an environment that “systematically promoted a culture of misogyny and sexism.”

The BBC has obtained the lawsuit, which includes claims that contestants were “malnourished and overly exhausted,” with meals being provided “sporadically and infrequently” during filming, posing a risk to the contestants’ health and well-being.

It also states that the defendants “created, allowed, and encouraged a culture and pattern of sexual harassment, including a hostile work environment.”

In August, The New York Times interviewed more than a dozen contestants (whose identities remain confidential) from the show, reporting “several hospitalizations” on set. One individual told the newspaper that they went over 20 hours without food.

The contestants also alleged they were not provided with their medications on time.

The BBC reached out to MrBeast and Amazon, but neither has commented publicly.

Will these accusations hurt the YouTube king’s popularity?

This is not the first time MrBeast has faced controversy – and he has managed to emerge unscathed each time. In July, the 26-year-old American said he had hired investigators after his former co-host, Ava Kris Tyson, was accused of seducing a teenager. She denied the allegations but apologized for her “past behavior,” which she admitted was “unacceptable.”

MrBeast said he was “disgusted” by the “serious allegations.”

Later, further claims regarding business practices surfaced on an anonymous YouTube channel, allegedly run by a former employee. The BBC could not independently verify the claims or the identity of this person.

Some of his charitable efforts – such as building wells in Africa and funding surgeries for people with impaired vision and hearing – have faced criticism for being exploitative. “Deaf people like me deserve better than MrBeast’s latest inspirational stunt,” one person told The Independent last year.

His empire keeps growing

Despite these challenges, his empire continues to expand. His videos have huge budgets, with his most popular video – which recreated Netflix’s Squid Game in real life with a $456,000 prize – reaching 652 million views. Most of his philanthropy is less controversial, including giving away homes, cash, and cars, which has helped shape his image as one of the “good guys of the internet.”

According to his website, he has delivered more than 25 million meals to people in need worldwide.

People continue to flock to his social media channels. In June, his YouTube channel became the largest in the world. According to the statistics tracker Socialblade, MrBeast gained an additional five million subscribers in just the last 30 days.

While it’s hard to know how many people unsubscribed, the number of those actively choosing to follow him far outweighs those who leave.

The “apologies” of YouTubers

MrBeast wouldn’t be the only YouTuber whose popularity remains intact after controversy – many others have faced far more significant accusations, often facing no consequences beyond a public apology.

In 2018, Logan Paul faced enormous backlash after posting a video to his 15 million subscribers showing a body of someone who had apparently committed suicide. After removing the video, he posted a less than two-minute apology titled simply: “Sorry.” Today, he has 23 million subscribers, a hugely popular sports drink, and was, until August, the WWE United States Champion. He’s also participated in several pay-per-view boxing matches.

Other high-profile YouTubers, including Pewdiepie, James Charles, and Jeffree Star, have all faced controversies and continued their careers after posting short apology videos.

A more recent example is Herschel “Guy” Beahm, known online as Dr Disrespect, who admitted to messaging “a minor” in 2017. He emphasized that “nothing illegal happened, no pictures were exchanged, no crimes were committed,” and stayed offline for two months after posting the statement. His return earlier this month drew over three million views, despite criticism from other high-profile streamers.

Dr Disrespect remains the second most popular streamer in the U.S. this year, according to Streams Charts. The pattern is clear – YouTubers tend to be forgiven quickly.

What’s next for MrBeast?

While MrBeast’s fanbase continues to grow, the controversy is once again heating up – and his next move could determine his long-term success.

James Lunn, head of strategy at Savvy Marketing, says the star is in an “incredibly unique position” with a “multifaceted” brand spanning many sectors. “We’re truly in uncharted territory,” he says, adding that “a careful approach, addressing issues transparently, and ensuring accountability could protect his brand.”

Expert Catherine Shuttleworth notes that MrBeast’s massive fame may serve as a shield against backlash, but the latest lawsuit could be tricky. “When it comes to his business ventures, particularly those targeting families and children – like his Feastables chocolates or Lunchly – it’s a different story,” she says.

“Parents, who often hold the purchasing power, tend to be less forgiving when controversies involve safety, fairness, and ethics.”