One of MrBeast's oldest friends quit his operation in a scandal. It could hurt him too

MrBeast's friend Ava Tyson (right) has been accused of messaging a minor when she was 20.Photo byKevin Mazur/Getty Images

Ava Tyson, a close companion of MrBeast, has withdrawn following claims of communicating with a minor. Tyson, who was a friend from her early years, has made appearances in MrBeast's videos since the year 2015. MrBeast tends to shake off controversies, but this situation could cause issues.

A longtime companion of MrBeast's has left his team following claims that she had inappropriate conversations with a minor.

The YouTube sensation MrBeast, who goes by Jimmy Donaldson, has skillfully avoided negative attention and controversy throughout his professional journey.

This situation could be challenging for him, leading to increased examination of his unorthodox business practices.

Ava Tyson, a familiar face to Donaldson's followers from their youth, has been featured in his content since 2015.

Several YouTubers have leveled allegations against Tyson, claiming he communicated with a young follower at the age of 13, while Tyson himself was 20.
In response, Donaldson said he was investigating the claims. BI reached out to Donaldson and Tyson for additional information but did not get a reply.

Allegations of inappropriate behavior

An online video created by Adrox, uploaded on July 16, attracted more than a million viewers and sparked widespread curiosity about her previous work.

The latest developments have brought new attention to two videos released by a creator named Prism42 just over a month back, which detailed specific accusations regarding Tyson's connection with a young admirer.

Prism42 claimed that Tyson made inappropriate sexual remarks during their online relationship with this youngster.

They further alleged that Tyson engaged with an artist named Shadman, who created erotic illustrations of young women.

Following the allegations, other YouTubers such as Acheeto and MorePegasus also addressed the claims in their videos. In response, Tyson announced she would stop collaborating with Donaldson and the MrBeast team.

"I would like to apologize for any of my past behavior or comments if it hurt or offended anyone," Tyson wrote on X on July 23.

She didn't provide details regarding the actions or remarks.

"It was not my intent," Tyson wrote. "Seeing recent events we've mutually decided it's best I permanently step away from all things MrBeast and social media to focus on my family and mental health."

Tyson added she "never groomed anyone" and said any accusations were false.

"Having said that, I humbly apologise to anyone I have hurt with my unacceptable social media posts, and past actions, and to those who may feel betrayed by how I used to act online," she said.

MrBeast is investigating the claims

The fan in question, known by their online username LavaGS, is now 20. They denied that Tyson groomed them, referring in a series of X posts to the allegations as "massive lies."

"Ava never did anything wrong and just made a few edgy jokes," they said. "I was never exploited or taken advantage of."

Donaldson shared a post on the evening of July 24, expressing his "disgust and opposition" towards Tyson's actions and stating that he had engaged a private investigator.

"That said, I've seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast," he said. "I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions."

He continued: "I will allow the independent investigators the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and will take any further actions based on their findings."

With over 300 million subscribers, multiple businesses, and an upcoming Prime Video show, MrBeast's empire is growing.Photo byDon Arnold/Getty Imag

YouTuber-fan boundaries

Other Top YouTubers have expressed worries regarding the connection and contended that engaging with young followers in such a manner is inappropriate.

Valkyrae, a video game YouTuber and broadcaster boasting 4 million followers, characterized the scenario as "unexpected and repulsive."

Pokimane, with 6 million followers, clarified that she wasn't aware of all the specifics but emphasized that "any misconduct towards minors is not tolerated, no matter the person."

In the early days of YouTube fame, some YouTubers overstepped their bounds with their followers. Notably, Colleen Ballinger, famous for her Miranda Sings role, was accused of exploiting her young audience.

To address this, she released a highly criticized 10-minute musical apology, using a ukulele.

Katya Varbanova, a social media expert and the head of Viral Marketing Stars, advised Business Insider that Donaldson should steer clear of repeating these errors with future statements.

"Ever since Miranda Sings and Ukulele Gate, the general public doesn't take grooming allegations of minors lightly," she said.

Brushing off controversy

In June, Donaldson overtook the channel of the Indian music label T-Series to snatch the title of the biggest YouTuber in the world.

He's also well-known for stirring up debate. He's been accused of running a harmful work environment and being a "white savior." His social trials, where he has individuals reside in supermarkets or confined spaces to earn cash, have been compared to the scary show "Saw."

Donaldson has not directly addressed the allegations regarding his work environment. However, a representative for him mentioned in Time that "safety is of paramount importance and is treated with great seriousness." They also mentioned that there were medical professionals and "skilled experts" present on the set at all times.

Donaldson's achievements have remained largely unaffected by the criticism, with the vast majority of his audience viewing him as genuine and kind.

This includes his backing of Tyson. Tyson made a transition in 2023, and Donaldson has been on the front lines, consistently dismissing homophobic remarks directed at her and her relatives.

Yet, Donaldson, who strives to keep a laid-back and enjoyable work environment, might discover that a shift towards a more formal approach is necessary.

In a profile in Time earlier this year, Donaldson expressed his distaste for conventional job titles. He favors referring to his staff as "friends of friends" or "FOFs."

Experts warned at the time that he may come to regret not running a more conventional workplace.

Varbanova mentioned to BI that Donaldson might think about alternative methods to showcase his team in the press.

"Taking a less traditional path in business can be risky, particularly when facing a PR crisis," she noted.

Colleen Ballinger has faced allegations of "grooming" young fans.Photo bySteve Granitz/Getty Images