YouTuber MrBeast was under major scrutiny for his latest video called "1,000 deaf people hear for the first time."
The philanthropist whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson is known for posting content on YouTube centering on expensive stunts.
He has over 150 million subscribers to date and he is known to have the fourth-most-subscribed channel belonging to an individual influencer.
In his latest clip, Donaldson explained:
"We got our hands on over $3 million worth of cutting-edge hearing technology, that unlike old hearing aids, analyzes people's specific hearing needs allowing them to hear again without causing any damage."
The technology simulates the sensation of hearing but is not a cure for hearing loss.
The video also showed the emotional reactions of several of the 1,000 people hearing their loved ones again, as well as receiving $10,000 cash prizes from Mr. Beast.
The YouTuber asked one lucky patient:
"Which is better? Hearing or the 10 grand?"
She replied:
"The hearing 'cause I can hear my baby."
You can watch the video here.
1,000 Deaf People Hear For The First Timeyoutu.be
In spite of the celebratory tone of the video, some deaf people of varying hearing ranges found it exploitative and offensive.
Donaldson faced a similar backlash to a video in which he helped blind people see.
He took to Twitter and wrote:
“Twitter – Rich people should help others with their money."
“Me – Okay, I’ll use my money to help people and I promise to give away all my money before I die. Every single penny."
“Twitter – MrBeast bad.”
One of the main components of his videos that engage viewers is the monetary reward.
He described his business model in the following statement made in one of his Youtube videos.
"Once you know how to make a video go viral, it's just about how to get as many out as possible, [...] you can practically make unlimited money."
"[But] the videos take months of prep. A lot of them take four to five days of relentless filming."
"There's a reason other people don't do what I do."
Donaldson has yet to address the most recent backlash.
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