‘This is literally the most obnoxious era of YouTube ever’: MrBeast’s latest stunt might finally turn the internet against him

Even while he was at the height of his popularity, and countless people would vouch that Jimmy Donaldson aka MrBeast could do no wrong, I’ve always had the pervasive feeling that the now 26-year-old was one of the most disingenuous YouTubers around, which, in my mind, is made that much worse due to his massive following, comprised largely of millions of kids that look up to him.

In recent months, I have felt vindicated for my long-held beliefs that — even before the toppling of the first domino in a chain of controversies that culminated in we have learned from former employees and contestants.

The recent video Donaldson posted on TikTok is not even close to the most condemnable thing he’s allegedly done. It does not hold a candle to other unethical actions he’s been accused of, nevertheless, a significant number of netizens have labeled the short video “lame,” “cringe,” “obnoxious,” and “weird.”

A combo no one asked for

People online have described KSI some free promo – some commenters have argued it is actually an example of “friendly fire” – and continues to do his hardest to push his Lunchly products down people’s throats.

Although Lunchly may be, in some respects, a “healthier” option to the ultra-processed Lunchables, it is by no means healthy. This is something Logan Paul, KSI, and MrBeast do not seem to have been straightforward about, judging by how they have made it hard for professionals to effectively and meaningfully tell the real difference between the two – this was unpacked by YouTuber Doctor Mike in a video posted in September 2024 wherein the licensed M.D. equated the “healthier” branding of Lunchly to a marketing tactic.

Rummaging through the comments online, it appears that, compared to the past, most netizens are no longer keen on making excuses for MrBeast’s questionable behavior.

As one of the comments pertinently asks in rhetorical fashion, it is relevant to bear in mind Squid Game – reality competition were egregious. Over a dozen contestants who spoke anonymously to The New York Times said that they had “not received adequate food or medical care and that some competitors had suffered injuries from the physical challenges.”

The Beast Games controversy is but the latest dent in MrBeast’s once-pristine image. No matter how much Donaldson may continue to churn out over-the-top, obnoxiously edited, ostensibly philanthropic videos to distract from all the allegations that have come out, the wool has permanently been removed from most people’s eyes.