Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is currently investigating an industrial accident that occurred on the Toronto set of “Beast Games,” a new Prime Video competition series created by YouTube star MrBeast. The incident, which took place on September 11, 2024, involved a worker being injured by falling wood at the filming location, a miniature village constructed at the former Downsview Airport. While the ministry has confirmed the accident and the issuance of a “requirement” to the employers, Blink 49 Studios and Manhattan Beach Studios, the specific nature of the requirement and the extent of the worker’s injuries remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Both production companies and Prime Video have not responded to requests for comment. Toronto Police also attended the scene but determined the incident was non-criminal and are not involved in the investigation.
The incident adds another layer of controversy to the production of “Beast Games,” a show already facing scrutiny following allegations of unsafe working conditions and misrepresentation of contestants’ odds of winning. These allegations stemmed from a lawsuit filed in September by five unnamed participants in an initial tryout filmed in Las Vegas for Donaldson’s YouTube channel. The plaintiffs accused Donaldson and his production company of fostering an environment that included sexual harassment and misleading contestants about their chances of success. Donaldson has publicly refuted these claims, stating they were “blown out of proportion,” and promised to release behind-the-scenes footage to support his position once the show premiered.
The September 11 incident aligns with a report published by Rolling Stone magazine, which detailed broader allegations about conditions on the “Beast Games” set. The report specifically mentioned a worker being injured on the same date when a six-foot-by-six-foot section of a tower’s exterior fell on them during the set’s disassembly. However, the Ministry of Labour has neither confirmed nor denied these specific details, citing the ongoing nature of their investigation. This incident raises questions about the safety protocols implemented on set and the overall working environment during the production of “Beast Games.”
“Beast Games” is the latest venture of Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, whose YouTube channel boasts an impressive 340 million subscribers, making him the most followed individual on the platform. The 26-year-old Kansas native rose to fame through extravagant stunts and generous giveaways, capturing a massive online audience. His foray into the streaming world with “Beast Games” on Prime Video maintains a similar high-stakes, competitive format. The series features a thousand contestants vying for a grand prize of US$5 million, engaging in challenges that often require participants to choose between their own chances of winning and those of their teammates.
The convergence of the ongoing labour investigation, the previous lawsuit filed by tryout participants, and the broader allegations reported by Rolling Stone paints a concerning picture of the production environment surrounding “Beast Games.” While the Ministry of Labour’s investigation continues, the situation raises crucial questions about worker safety and the responsibilities of production companies in ensuring a safe working environment. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions taken will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future productions associated with MrBeast and his collaborators.
The incident underscores the inherent challenges and potential risks involved in producing large-scale competition series, particularly those involving elaborate sets and potentially stressful scenarios for both contestants and crew members. As the entertainment industry increasingly gravitates toward high-stakes competitions and reality-style programming, the importance of prioritizing safety and maintaining ethical working conditions becomes paramount. The ongoing investigation into the “Beast Games” incident serves as a reminder of this critical need for responsible production practices and the potential consequences when these standards are not met.
