Why Are People Mad at Him?

When it comes to popular YouTubers, MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) definitely makes the list. The longtime creator, who first started posting videos on his namesake channel in 2012, currently has more than 130 million subscribers. He’s known for creating videos that feature elaborate stunts, pranks, and challenges. However, MrBeast is also known for using his platform and wealth to help others.

In his latest video, MrBeast helps blind people see for the first time. However, not all viewers felt this was a genuine philanthropic effort on his part. Here’s why MrBeast is currently receiving backlash.

On Jan. 29, 2023, MrBeast shared a video dubbed “1,000 Blind People See for the First Time.” The title says it all. In the video, MrBeast pays for 1,000 blind people of all ages to undergo an operation called phacoemulsification to help restore their vision. In phacoemulsification, a cataract (clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye), is vacuumed out and then replaced with a new artificial lens.

During the eight-minute video, viewers learned many of these patients’ compelling stories and watched as they took off the bandages on their eyes post-surgery and saw their reactions.

Emotions ran high. One man who had been blind for 62 years is so grateful for the procedure. Another man who lost his job because of his impaired vision was ecstatic to be able to work again. A teenager who had been blind since birth couldn’t wait to drive for the first time. MrBeast’s generosity changed their lives.

In addition to the surgery, some patients also received other prizes such as a Tesla, cash prizes up to $50,000, and more. MrBeast also made a $100,000 donation to the optical surgeon’s practice where the surgeries took place.

One thousand people between the U.S., Mexico, Namibia, Honduras, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, Kenya, and Jamaica were able to see by the end of the video. “Thank you, MrBeast,” exclaimed many happy faces as the video ended.

But not all viewers of the video were impressed with what MrBeast did. On Twitter, his act of charity began getting ripped apart, with some folks calling it a “gimmick.”

Others even went as far as to call MrBeast “the antichrist.”