MrBeast acknowledged on Wednesday that he used “inappropriate language” in his early days on the internet, addressing a controversy surrounding allegations of past racist remarks.
MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, came under fire recently following accusations of racist remarks made early in his career, including a recently circulated 2017 clip in which YouTube influencer Rosanna Pansino alleged that Donaldson had responded to a comment about selling Black people for money to say, “The most I would pay is probably 300.”
The allegations occurred alongside reports that Ava Kris Tyson, his longtime colleague, had made inappropriate sexual comments to minors.
“When Jimmy was a teenager he acted like many kids and used inappropriate language while trying to be funny,” a spokesperson for the YouTuber said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “Over the years he has repeatedly apologized and has learned that increasing influence comes with increased responsibility to be more aware and more sensitive to the power of language. After making some bad jokes and other mistakes when he was younger, as an adult he has focused on engaging with the MrBeast community to work together on making a positive impact around the world.”
Last week, Donaldson responded to the allegations against Tyson, writing in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that he “is disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts.”
He added that he was hiring an “independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure I have all the facts. That said, I’ve seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast. I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions. I will allow the independent investigators the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and will take any further actions based on their findings.”