YouTuber MrBeast investigating 'grooming' claims against collaborator Ava Kris Tyson
Ava Kris Tyson, a longtime friend and collaborator of YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson (better known as MrBeast), announced this week that she is leaving the channel after online commentators accused her of 'grooming’.
Ava Kris Tyson, a longtime friend and collaborator of YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson (better known as MrBeast), announced this week that she is leaving the channel after online commentators accused her of 'grooming'.
Tyson regularly appeared on the MrBeast channel, which features outrageous challenges, elaborate giveaways and high-spending comparison videos. Donaldson has 305 million YouTube subscribers, making his channel the most subscribed-to on the platform.
Tyson, who is a transgender woman, has been subjected to attacks against her identity in the past, and Donaldson (MrBeast) has defended her.
Recently, Tyson was criticised for developing a relationship with a minor online, beginning when the person was 13 and Tyson was 20.
The controversy began after a video in June analysing online interactions between Tyson and the minor, who goes by LavaGS online, gained traction on YouTube this week.
In a post on X announcing her departure, Tyson denied the grooming allegations, apologised to her followers, and redirected them to LavaGS's (now 20 years old) post on X where these claims were disputed as taken out of context.
I would like to apologize for any of my past behavior or comments if it hurt or offended anyone. It was not my intent. 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.
— Ava Kris Tyson (@kristyson_) July 23, 2024
Donaldson says he will await the investigation’s findings before taking further action.
“Over the last few days, I’ve become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson’s behaviour online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts,” MrBeast wrote.
“During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure I have all the facts."
Over the last few days, I’ve become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson's behavior online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts.
— MrBeast (@MrBeast) July 25, 2024
During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure…