Some might consider Jimmy ‘MrBeast’ Donaldson “uncancellable.” But that reputation didn’t stop him from issuing an apology.
The philanthropic YouTuber, who recently became the most-subscribed creator on the platform, sparked outrage over comments he made on a 2017 livestream.
Along with calling someone a homophobic slur, Donaldson read a comment about “‘selling N-word for $400 money,’” during which he said, “The most I would pay is probably 300 [dollars]. Sorry, 400 is just out of my price range for that type of thing.”
An old podcast clip was also unearthed of him making sexual comments about then-14-year-old Bhad Bhabie.
It’s been a difficult month for MrBeast
As a result of these actions, furor exploded online. It couldn’t have come at a worse time for Donaldson. Friend and colleague Ava Kris Tyson recently stepped away from the MrBeast brand after allegations of speaking inappropriately with a minor. But on July 31, Donaldson finally broke his silence.
“When Jimmy was a teenager he acted like many kids and used inappropriate language while trying to be funny,” a spokesperson for Donaldson said in a statement to The Associated Press.
“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.”