Former Executive Sues MrBeast's Beast Industries Over Sexual Harassment and Pregnancy Discrimination

Beast Industries, the media company founded by YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, is defending itself against federal litigation filed in North Carolina on Wednesday, April 22. The lawsuit, brought by former executive Lorrayne Mavromatis, alleges sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Mavromatis, who was hired in 2022 as head of Instagram before being elevated to head of creative at a salary of $250,000 to oversee the verticals division, characterizes the workplace as a "boy's club" where female employees faced harassment from supervisors and where leadership failed to address complaints. She claims she endured multiple retaliatory demotions and transfers following her pregnancy leave.

Among the allegations, Mavromatis recalls an incident involving former CEO James Warren, who she says harassed her after requiring one-on-one meetings at his residence regarding a client's sexual advances toward her. When she questioned why Donaldson wouldn't collaborate with her on certain projects, she states she was told she is a "beautiful woman" whose "appearance had a certain sexual effect on Jimmy." The company has rejected this account as "fabricated for the sole purpose of sparking headlines" and motivated by financial gain.

The complaint also cites a company handbook containing the phrase "no does not mean no" and a statement that "the amount of hours you work is irrelevant." Mavromatis notes the company lacked formal procedures for reporting sexual harassment and discrimination incidents in 2023, when she filed a complaint against Warren and Donaldson.

Following an investigation into her complaint, Mavromatis was reassigned to social media manager for merchandise. After taking maternity leave shortly thereafter, she was asked to participate in multiple projects, including a trip to Brazil. She was terminated three weeks after returning from leave.

Beast Industries has responded with a statement calling the lawsuit "clout-chasing" and containing "deliberate misrepresentations and categorically false statements." The company claims to have "extensive evidence — including Slack and WhatsApp messages, company documents, and witness testimony — that unequivocally refutes her claims."

Donaldson is not named as a defendant in the case. He appeared at the TIME100 Summit in New York on Wednesday, April 22, and addressed the lawsuit, saying he has "brought in more experienced people" as the company expanded. He acknowledged not being "the best to set up culture at that scale" but credited the new leadership team for improvements.

The company distributed a formal employee handbook in March 2025 outlining Family and Medical Leave Act protections and establishing formal policies and procedures.