YouTube megastar MrBeast has come to the defense of his friend and collaborator Chris Tyson, who recently announced that they are undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Tyson’s announcement was met with a mix of support and transphobia, with some YouTubers suggesting that Tyson’s feminine appearance may negatively impact MrBeast’s popularity.
Donaldson, also known as MrBeast, has built a massive online empire with over 145 million subscribers to his name. While his main channel videos are known for their high production values and grand philanthropic gestures, this week, he’s been battling transphobia. In a viral Tweet, Tyson made their transition journey public, revealing that they have been on HRT for two months.
Despite the support, some comments were transphobic, including a video from YouTuber SunnyV2, who suggested that Tyson’s transition could negatively affect MrBeast’s popularity. However, MrBeast fired back at the comments, declaring that Tyson is his friend, and the transphobia is starting to upset him.
Informed consent HRT has saved Tyson’s life and many others’, they said in a follow-up tweet. However, the hurdles that gender non-conforming people must jump through to receive gender-affirming healthcare in first-world countries are still a concern. For MrBeast, shutting down transphobic comments directed at his friend is an act of allyship to the LGBTQ+ community.
While Tyson has yet to respond to MrBeast’s comments, other users have praised the YouTuber for using his massive platform to speak out against transphobia. As for MrBeast, he continues to build his empire while advocating for a more inclusive and accepting world.