Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, the world’s most subscribed YouTuber, has come under fire for his latest high-octane video titled ‘Would You Risk Dying for $500,000?’ The video, which premiered on Saturday, features professional stuntman Eric navigating a series of perilous challenges, including escaping a burning building and surviving massive explosions, all while collecting bags of cash. The dramatic visuals, however, have sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the content of being dangerously irresponsible and potentially encouraging copycat behavior. In response, MrBeast took to social media platform X to defend the production, emphasizing that safety was a top priority. He revealed that the stunt was meticulously planned with ventilation systems, kill switches, and a professional pyro team to control the fires. Eric, the contestant, successfully completed the challenges, walking away with $350,000, which he plans to use to support his retired parents. Despite the backlash, the video has amassed over 45 million views, showcasing MrBeast’s unparalleled influence on the platform. This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding Donaldson, including allegations of exploitation in his Amazon series ‘Beast Games’ and accusations from the Mexican government regarding his use of Mayan pyramids in a video. While some critics labeled the stunt as dystopian and humiliating, others argued that it was a well-executed PR stunt with minimal real danger involved.
