A reality game show filmed in Toronto and created by YouTube star MrBeast is under investigation by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour after an industrial accident.
A worker was injured by a piece of falling wood on Sept. 11 on the set of MrBeast’s debut television series, Beast Games, the ministry told Now Toronto in an email statement on Tuesday. The set resembles a miniature village, specifically constructed for the show on the grounds of the former Downsview Airport in North York.
The ministry added that the employers of the production, Blink 49 Studios and Manhattan Beach Studios, have each been issued a “requirement” but did not explain what that means.
A source close to production assured that the requirement issued by the ministry was no more than routine paperwork, and that the injured crew member is expected to make a full recovery.
The Ministry of Labour could not share extensive details of the worker’s injuries, but an investigative piece published by Rolling Stone last week and first reported by The Canadian Press contained broader allegations about conditions on the set, claiming that a six-foot by six-foot piece of a tower exterior fell on a crew member while the set was being packed away. The ministry could not confirm those details, citing the ongoing investigation.
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Beast Games is the latest project from Jimmy Donaldson, whose YouTube channel MrBeast has become the most subscribed on the video-sharing platform with over 340 million subscribers. The 26-year-old American from Wichita, Kansas has become widely known for videos consisting of huge stunts or challenges, or massive cash and prize giveaways.
In his new series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video earlier this month, one thousand people – the largest cast for a reality show – compete for the chance to win $5 million USD – the largest monetary show prize in reality television history, according to Amazon.
The chaotic competition has already been riddled with controversy, leading to legal issues and several contestants speaking out. Before heading to Toronto, production took place in Las Vegas, where the number of contestants were doubled at the time. In September, five unnamed participants in the initial 2,000-contestant tryout filed a lawsuit against MrBeast and his production company, accusing Donaldson of creating “unsafe” working conditions, including sexual harassment, emotional distress, inadequate meals and unpaid wages.
According to Rolling Stone, contestants also reported about being injured, having their medication withheld, sleeping on floors, and overall inadequate conditions. However, the publication said once contestants arrived at the Toronto set, many reported to have a much better experience.
