MrBeast’s new show already faced controversy. Its new giveaway partner may bring more

NEW YORK — MrBeast’s ambitious reality show, which the YouTube megastar hopes will expand his giant online reach and turn the corner on recent controversies, is already raising questions from consumer advocates over a partnership with a fintech company. As MrBeast’s loyal following tunes in to watch 1,000 contestants compete for $5 million on “Beast Games,” they are invited to scan a QR code for a shot at winning their own life-changing money. “These types of high-cost, fintech payday loans, wrapped up in fancy apps, just put people in a debt trap where they have to borrow this week’s pay to pay last week’s loan and sets them back in their financial goals,” said Lauren Saunders, a director at the National Consumer Law Center who specializes in small dollar lending. In an emailed statement, a MoneyLion spokesperson said the company pairs financial tools and products to support “long-term financial health and stability” — all of which will be promoted to Beast Games Giveaway participants. MoneyLion said it will “continue to collaborate with regulatory bodies” including CFPB, according to the spokesperson, and focus on ensuring its products are “accessible, fair, and designed to create the best outcomes for our customers.” Its “Instacash” fees are “clearly disclosed,” the spokesperson wrote, and the service helps workers “break the traditional payroll cycle” to “meet unexpected financial obligations.” “The Beast Games Giveaway is designed exclusively for an 18+ audience and represents a groundbreaking way to combine engaging content with accessible financial education,” the spokesperson said.