“Beast Games,” Amazon Prime Video reality TV show, has been making waves by offering its players a mindboggling prize money of $5 million along with its intense challenges. The TV show that started out with 2,000 players in Las Vegas but reduced its players to 1,000 players in Toronto has been one of Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched unscripted TV programs within weeks of its release. But behind the adrenaline rush of spectacle is also a maelstrom of scandal that is finally coming to the fore.
One of the most stunning allegations is that of contestant Adam Dunlap, also referred to as Player 600. Dunlap went on social media to expose that there were players that were disqualified after allegedly swiping money out of the prize pool of $5 million.
“Beast Games started off in Vegas with 2,000 of us, not 1,000 players,” Dunlap stated. “Players dropped out of contention because they were unable to make filming in Toronto, and others were disqualified after taking funds out of the prize pool of $5M.”
To maintain the competition format, alternates were brought into the fray by MrBeast’s team out of players that had been sent home earlier on. More drama ensued when others of these alternates were bribed by MrBeast to abandon the game, also disrupting the format of the competition.
Adding to the controversy, Dunlap also claimed that one of the eventual disqualified contestants had reached top 50 before being removed from contention. It raises questions on eliminations on the reality TV show and how fair had the contest really been. Despite the behind-the-scenes tensions, there had been a shock turn on its finale night. The final prize had been set at $5 million but doubled to a record amount of $10 million after there had been a tense coin toss to determine on the eventual winner. While this had got fans excited, it also generated added tension regarding the format of the programme.
Beyond contestant eliminations and bribes, Beast Games has also been accused of its outlandish production budget and legal issues. The programme had supposedly budgeted out a mind-boggling amount of $100 million, including constructing Beast City within Toronto, its custom-built set where games were hosted.
Legal issues have also arisen. The producers have also been hit by lawsuits filed by five of its contestants alleging emotional distress and poor treatment on set. It has also been leaked that participants were asked to sign draconian non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), punishable by up to $500,000, if they were to talk.
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Another major scandal involved allegations of racism within an elimination challenge, increasing criticism of how the programme is handling its players.
Despite the increasing scandals, “Beast Games” has been extremely successful. A second season is confirmed by MrBeast, with plans also on the cards for a third season.
“I love what we have done on Beast Games. I’m doing it. It was enjoyable doing business with Prime Video, so I know that we’re definitely gonna do it with them. 100%. We’re definitely doing it making season two, no way.”
