A class-action lawsuit has been filed against YouTube personality MrBeast and Amazon on behalf of five unnamed contestants from the "Beast Games" reality competition show, alleging "chronic mistreatment," sexual harassment, and more. The complaint, lodged on September 16 in Los Angeles Superior Court, outlines numerous claims of neglect and mistreatment of participants in "Beast Games." This Prime Video-ordered reality show featured over 1,000 contestants vying for a $5 million prize and is reported to have a $100 million production budget. A redacted version of the complaint is available for review.
The lawsuit is seeking class-action status for all affected contestants. It demands that Amazon and MrBeast’s company compensate participants for alleged unpaid wages and expenses, as well as pay unspecified punitive damages. Neither MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) nor Amazon has issued a statement regarding the lawsuit at this time.
The complaint asserts that Amazon, MrBeast's production company, and independent firm Off One’s Base LLC failed to provide minimum wages, overtime pay, or basic workplace protections, such as preventing sexual harassment and offering appropriate meal or rest breaks. Furthermore, contestants were allegedly subjected to "emotional distress" and "dangerous circumstances and conditions."
The lawsuit describes how contestants, while aware that the competition would be demanding, experienced conditions far beyond their expectations. Some participants were hospitalized, and others reported physical and mental health issues due to the alleged ongoing mistreatment and hostile working conditions, particularly for female contestants.
According to the lawsuit, participants were deprived of medical care, food, sleep, and essential hygiene needs. Due to the confidentiality provisions outlined by the defendants, certain portions of the lawsuit, including details about the sexual harassment allegations, have been redacted. The plaintiffs filed the case under pseudonyms to preserve their privacy.
The lawsuit aims to demonstrate a "pattern of sexual harassment," referencing examples from a "How to Succeed in MrBeast Production" handbook, which allegedly encouraged behavior that contributed to a hostile work environment. One female contestant, identified only as "Contestant 5," expressed her disappointment, stating, "I wanted to join because I was a fan of MrBeast... I expected to be challenged, but I didn’t think I would be treated like nothing. It absolutely felt like a hostile environment for us women."
Lead counsel Robert Pafundi emphasized that, despite the extreme allegations, the law is clear in this case. "Participants entered into contracts and were promised compensation... making them employees under California law," he explained, asserting that the defendants failed to provide the necessary protections and must now be held accountable.
As of now, there is no announced release date for "Beast Games" on Prime Video, although Amazon has promoted it as "the world's largest live gameshow" with "the biggest single prize in television and streaming history."
Source: https://variety.com/2024/digital/ne...st-games-contestants-class-action-1236148181/
The lawsuit is seeking class-action status for all affected contestants. It demands that Amazon and MrBeast’s company compensate participants for alleged unpaid wages and expenses, as well as pay unspecified punitive damages. Neither MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) nor Amazon has issued a statement regarding the lawsuit at this time.
The complaint asserts that Amazon, MrBeast's production company, and independent firm Off One’s Base LLC failed to provide minimum wages, overtime pay, or basic workplace protections, such as preventing sexual harassment and offering appropriate meal or rest breaks. Furthermore, contestants were allegedly subjected to "emotional distress" and "dangerous circumstances and conditions."
The lawsuit describes how contestants, while aware that the competition would be demanding, experienced conditions far beyond their expectations. Some participants were hospitalized, and others reported physical and mental health issues due to the alleged ongoing mistreatment and hostile working conditions, particularly for female contestants.
According to the lawsuit, participants were deprived of medical care, food, sleep, and essential hygiene needs. Due to the confidentiality provisions outlined by the defendants, certain portions of the lawsuit, including details about the sexual harassment allegations, have been redacted. The plaintiffs filed the case under pseudonyms to preserve their privacy.
The lawsuit aims to demonstrate a "pattern of sexual harassment," referencing examples from a "How to Succeed in MrBeast Production" handbook, which allegedly encouraged behavior that contributed to a hostile work environment. One female contestant, identified only as "Contestant 5," expressed her disappointment, stating, "I wanted to join because I was a fan of MrBeast... I expected to be challenged, but I didn’t think I would be treated like nothing. It absolutely felt like a hostile environment for us women."
Lead counsel Robert Pafundi emphasized that, despite the extreme allegations, the law is clear in this case. "Participants entered into contracts and were promised compensation... making them employees under California law," he explained, asserting that the defendants failed to provide the necessary protections and must now be held accountable.
As of now, there is no announced release date for "Beast Games" on Prime Video, although Amazon has promoted it as "the world's largest live gameshow" with "the biggest single prize in television and streaming history."
Source: https://variety.com/2024/digital/ne...st-games-contestants-class-action-1236148181/
