Topics: MrBeast, YouTube, Film and TV, Money
MrBeast's new series Beast Games has finally been released, and now, a leaked document designed for contestants on the show has revealed some of the 'humiliating' moments they had to prepare for.
After more than a decade on YouTube, MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, moved to TV this week as his reality competition arrived on Prime Video.
The series has sparked some controversy around the amount of money that's gone into it, but Donaldson stood by his show as he celebrated its release with a post on Instagram this week.
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Alongside a picture of him sitting on top of the $5 million cash prize that's up for grabs, he wrote: "My show Beast Games is officially out on Prime Video NOW!! 1000 Players. 5 Million Dollars. Only 1 Winner. I’ve spent this entire year putting everything into this show and more and I promise you’ll love it!"
The show arrived on Prime Video on December 19, the same day Business Insider reported on documents regarding the terms contestants were asked to agree to during a preliminary round of the series taped in Las Vegas.
During the round, more than 2,000 contestants took part in physical challenges designed to determine who would make it to the next stage: the show's official production round in Toronto.
According to the publication, the documents included some expected details such as information about the show, a contestant questionnaire form, and an outline of the show's official rules and protocols.
Additionally, there were some more surprising terms, including contestants being prohibited from disclosing information about the show. Anyone found to have breached the agreement before the last episode airs must pay the producer and network $500,000 for each breach, while anyone who shares information after the last episode would be fined $100,000.
As well as having to stay quiet about the series, contestants were allegedly also asked to acknowledge that their portrayal in the program may be 'disparaging, defamatory, embarrassing, or of an otherwise unfavorable nature', and that they may be exposed to 'public ridicule, humiliation, or condemnation'.
By signing the form, contestants agreed to take part in the taping for no money, but they could win potential prizes. They accepted that the taping would include use of hidden cameras and recording devices, and agreed that producers would have full discretion when it came to editing the footage.
Daniel J. Ain, an entertainment attorney at RPJ Law, commented on the document to Business Insider and assured that the terms are largely standard when it comes to competition shows.
However, he did note that some terms, such as the $500,000 charge for each breach, are 'expansive', and described the documents as a 'contestant agreement on steroids'.
He told the publication: "The producers use every available tool to give them ultimate flexibility to make the show and protect themselves from liability."
UNILAD has reached out to representatives of MrBeast and Prime Video for comment.
