A former employee of a media company founded by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson has filed a lawsuit alleging workplace harassment and gender bias, The Associated Press reported.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in North Carolina by Lorrayne Mavromatis, names MrBeastYouTube, LLC and GameChanger 24/7, LLC as defendants. It accuses the companies of violating federal law that guarantees eligible employees unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons, including childbirth. Mavromatis also filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging discrimination based on sex, pregnancy and retaliation.
Mavromatis said she continued working immediately after giving birth, including during labor, and returned to full-time work soon after. She alleges she was dismissed less than three weeks later. The company rejected the claims, calling the lawsuit a «clout-chasing complaint» containing false statements and stating that her role was eliminated during a team reorganization.
The company also cited internal communications and documentation indicating that Mavromatis had been informed of company policies, including those related to family and medical leave.
The lawsuit raises broader concerns about workplace culture at Beast Industries as the company continues to expand its operations beyond YouTube into television and other ventures. The company has faced prior scrutiny, including allegations of misconduct and a third-party investigation that identified isolated instances of harassment, which led to employee dismissals.
