It’s official: MrBeast is engaged! Jimmy Donaldson, aka the world’s most-followed YouTuber, dropped a festive bombshell on Christmas Day, announcing his engagement to fellow content creator Thea Booysen.
But while fans are swooning over the romantic proposal, the news comes at a complicated time for the internet icon, who’s currently navigating a web of legal controversies.
MrBeast Gets Engaged With Thea Booysen
In true MrBeast style, he pulled off the surprise during a Christmas celebration, distracting Thea with a large box (a classic fake-out!) before presenting the actual gift: a sparkling engagement ring. Thea, a South African gaming streamer and author, was visiting family for the holidays and said yes surrounded by loved ones. Thea shared her excitement on social media.
Who is Thea Booysen?
At 27, Thea Booysen has made a name for herself as a gaming streamer and author. Her YouTube channel, “TheaBeasty,” features playthroughs of games like The Witcher and League of Legends, while her second channel, “More Than Human,” dives into psychology content.
She’s also a published author! Her debut YA novel, The Marked Children, hit shelves in 2022. With a master’s degree in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh.
Everything About MrBeast Legal Scandals
While the engagement news has fans buzzing, it arrives against a backdrop of legal and reputational challenges for Jimmy. Here’s a quick rundown of the controversies swirling around the YouTube titan:
- Former Collaborator Accusations: Ava Kris Tyson, a former collaborator, has been accused of inappropriate behavior with minors and sexual assault by a former employee. Tyson has denied all allegations, but the situation has put MrBeast under scrutiny for his associations.
- Beast Games Backlash: Contestants on MrBeast’s Amazon-backed competition show have alleged unsafe working conditions. Claims include participants being underfed, overtired, and denied timely access to medication. Some have also reported a toxic culture of misogyny and sexism.
- Old Video Resurfacing: Racially insensitive jokes from early MrBeast videos have come back to haunt him, prompting Jimmy to issue a public apology.
- Lawsuits Filed: Five female contestants from Beast Games have taken legal action against MrBeast’s production company and Amazon, citing a hostile work environment and unsafe conditions.
For now, it’s clear that love is in the air—but so is a storm of unanswered questions.