The Ontario labour ministry is currently investigating an industrial accident that occurred on the set of “Beast Games,” a newly released Prime Video competition series by YouTube star MrBeast. The incident took place on September 11 in Toronto, where a worker was injured by falling wood on the set, which was a miniature village constructed for the show on the grounds of the former Downsview Airport. The ministry has not disclosed the extent of the person’s injuries and stated that the employers, Blink 49 Studios and Manhattan Beach Studios, were issued a “requirement” as part of the ongoing investigation. However, both companies, as well as Prime Video, have not responded to requests for comment. Toronto Police were also called to the set on that day, but the incident is not considered criminal.
In a report published by Rolling Stone, it was mentioned that a worker was injured on September 11 when a piece of the exterior of the tower fell on a crew member while the set was being packed away. However, the labour ministry did not confirm these details. “Beast Games” is the latest project from Jimmy Donaldson, known for his YouTube channel MrBeast, which has over 340 million subscribers, the most on the video-sharing platform. The series features a competition where a thousand people compete for the chance to win US$5 million by participating in challenges that require them to sacrifice either their own chance at winning or that of a teammate.
The show has faced controversy even before its premiere. In September, five participants from an initial tryout filmed in Las Vegas for Donaldson’s YouTube channel filed a lawsuit against the creator and his production company. They accused Donaldson of creating unsafe working conditions, including sexual harassment, and misrepresenting contestants’ odds of winning. In response, Donaldson stated on social media platform X that the claims were blown out of proportion and that he would release behind-the-scenes footage to address the allegations once the show was released.
The investigation into the industrial accident on the set of “Beast Games” raises concerns about the safety and working conditions in the entertainment industry. The series, which features high-stakes challenges and intense competition, has already been marred by allegations of unsafe employment conditions and misrepresentation of contestant odds. The ongoing inquiry by the Ontario labour ministry, as well as the lawsuit filed by participants, highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the production of television shows and other forms of entertainment.
The lack of response from the employers, Blink 49 Studios and Manhattan Beach Studios, along with Prime Video, indicates a lack of transparency and accountability in addressing workplace safety issues. The incident on the set of “Beast Games” serves as a reminder of the potential risks faced by workers in the entertainment industry and the importance of enforcing proper safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of workers and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
