MrBeast, the world’s most-followed YouTuber, has defended his latest viral video after facing criticism over a high-risk stunt that many online users labeled “dangerously irresponsible.”
The video, titled “Would You Risk Dying for $500,000? (sh64.6 million)”, features professional stuntman Eric navigating seven fiery challenges, including being shot out of a cannon into flames, escaping a mock-up house engulfed in fire and braving staged explosions while collecting bags of cash.
The daring production, uploaded on Saturday, has already attracted more than 45 million views.
While the video’s dramatic visuals impressed many, others expressed concern that the spectacle could encourage copycats to attempt unsafe stunts.
Critics on social media branded the concept “dystopian” and “humiliating,” arguing that even if safeguards were in place, the optics risk normalizing dangerous behavior for entertainment.
In response, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, insisted that safety had been his team’s top priority. Posting on X, he wrote, “This blew up, if you’re curious obviously we had ventilation for the smoke and a kill switch to cut off the fires. We had professionals test this extensively and the guy in the video as stated is a professional stunt man. I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”
Donaldson further clarified in a pinned YouTube comment that a professional pyro team controlled all fire effects, with multiple suppression systems on standby.
He added that while extensive precautions were taken, none had to be activated during the filming.
Eric, the stuntman, ultimately completed the fiery gauntlet, walking away with $350,000 (Sh46.2 million) out of the promised $500,000 (Sh66 million).
MrBeast’s defense underscores the tightrope he often walks as YouTube’s most-watched and highest-paid creator. With over 440 million subscribers, his brand thrives on large-scale, high-stakes spectacles, from philanthropy-driven giveaways to headline-grabbing challenges.
Beyond YouTube, Donaldson has expanded into fast food and streaming, recently launching Beast Games on Amazon Prime Video.