Exploiting Vulnerable Communities for Viral Content

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has built a YouTube empire with over 400 million subscribers, but his charitable ventures, particularly in Africa, have drawn sharp criticism for exploiting vulnerable communities, especially children. His videos, such as the 2023 “100 Wells in Africa” and the 2025 “Rescuing Child Slaves in Africa,” feature impoverished children in settings designed to maximize emotional impact, often labeled as “poverty porn.” Critics argue that filming shoeless or enslaved children without transparent consent processes from parents or guardians violates their dignity, turning their suffering into a spectacle for views and ad revenue. The 2024 *Beast Games* lawsuit, where five female contestants alleged a toxic work environment marked by underfeeding and overexertion, further suggests a pattern of prioritizing content over ethical considerations, casting doubt on the integrity of his operations.

Perpetuating Harmful “White Savior” Stereotypes

MrBeast’s Africa projects, including building wells across Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe, and donating 20,000 pairs of shoes in South Africa, have been slammed for reinforcing harmful “white savior” stereotypes. Activists like Francis Gaitho argue these initiatives portray Africans as helpless, dependent on Western aid, which demeans local agency and perpetuates outdated narratives. The imagery in his videos—barren landscapes and shoeless children—lacks context about local efforts, presenting a one-dimensional view of African communities. This approach not only undermines the dignity of those filmed but also fuels a narrative that Africans cannot solve their own problems, deepening harmful stereotypes for the sake of viral content.

Disrupting Local Economies and Fostering Dependency

MrBeast’s philanthropy has caused tangible economic harm in African communities. His 20,000 shoe donation in South Africa, partnered with Barefoot No More, mirrors the criticized TOMS Shoes model, where free handouts led to job losses for local shoemakers, notably in Meckhé, Senegal. Similarly, the 100 wells project, criticized by Senegalese blogger Magatte Wade, lacks maintenance plans, with reports of wells breaking down due to insufficient local infrastructure. This fosters dependency on foreign aid, allowing corrupt governments to shirk responsibilities while failing to address systemic issues like water access or economic stability, leaving communities worse off in the long term.

A Tainted Reputation: Past Scandals and Lack of Transparency

Beyond Africa, MrBeast’s brand is marred by controversies that erode trust. In 2024, resurfaced videos revealed him using racial and homophobic slurs as a teenager, tainting his public image. Unverified allegations of knowingly hiring a registered sex offender, referred to as “Delaware,” further fuel skepticism about his judgment. A former employee, DogPack404, accused him of staging videos and deceiving fans, though these claims lack concrete evidence. Most critically, the lack of financial transparency in his Beast Philanthropy channel raises questions about how much of the ad revenue or donations—fueling his estimated $85 million fortune—actually reaches the intended causes versus bolstering his brand. This opacity, combined with a business-first approach evident in ventures like Feastables and MrBeast Burger, paints his philanthropy as a profit-driven spectacle exploiting suffering for clout.

MrBeast’s charitable facade masks a troubling pattern of exploitation, stereotyping, and economic harm, making his initiatives a risky bet for well-meaning donors.

Stay Alert: Dive deeper into the controversies surrounding MrBeast’s philanthropy at Sheriff Says Podcast