Billionaire YouTuber and entrepreneur Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, has revealed he is borrowing money from his mother to fund his upcoming wedding to fellow content creator Thea Booysen. Despite an estimated net worth of $1 billion, Donaldson says his personal cash reserves are minimal due to his strategy of reinvesting most of his income into his rapidly growing media and business empire.
MrBeast explains cash crunch
In a June 1 post on X (formerly Twitter), Donaldson responded to a comment calling him “the only billionaire under 30 to have not inherited his wealth.” He clarified that his wealth is tied up in ongoing projects and business ventures. “I have very little money because I reinvest everything (I think this year we’ll spend around a quarter of a billion on content),” he wrote, humorously adding, “Ironically, I’m borrowing $ from my mom to pay for my upcoming wedding lol.”
Donaldson’s ventures include his high-stakes reality competition Beast Games, which awarded $10 million to its season one winner, and his ethical snack brand Feastables. He has also been vocal about the financial strain caused by international tariffs, especially those impacting production costs for his chocolate brand.
Legal troubles and intimate wedding plans
Donaldson’s rapid rise has not come without controversy. In May, the Mexican government criticised his video “I Explored 200…,” claiming it misused archaeological sites for commercial purposes. While his team reportedly had filming permits, authorities said they lacked approval for commercial use. A spokesperson for Donaldson denied wrongdoing, asserting that the content was created to highlight Mayan heritage and no advertisements were filmed on location.
Additionally, in September 2024, five contestants from Beast Games filed a lawsuit alleging mistreatment and unsafe conditions during production. Donaldson’s company responded by acknowledging extreme weather and logistical challenges and stated they are actively reviewing the situation while collecting feedback from participants.
Amidst the legal issues and business demands, Donaldson and Booysen are planning a low-key wedding focused on close friends and family. The couple, who met in South Africa in 2022, are considering a private island venue to ensure intimacy and avoid public scrutiny.