The latest MrBeast campaign aimed at providing clean drinking water to 2 million people worldwide has garnered both praise and criticism. The initiative, which launched on August 1st, 2025, is designed to raise $40 million through donations, with the formula being that every $1 donated provides clean water for one person for a year. While many have supported the cause, recent live-streamed fundraising efforts have sparked a heated debate, especially regarding the pressure tactics used by MrBeast on donors.

Peer Pressure on Donors

The controversy began during a live-stream event where MrBeast pushed donors to contribute large sums, at times making them feel uncomfortable. One notable moment involved MrBeast commenting on a $15,000 donation, downplaying it as a negligible amount, which left some viewers feeling that their contributions didn’t matter. For example, he calculated how little 15K was relative to the $8 million goal, which seemed insensitive, especially when smaller donations were significant for many viewers.

Asking Creators for Large Donations

Additionally, MrBeast called on fellow creators to donate substantial sums, like $100K or more, putting them on the spot during the live stream. While some of the creators obliged, viewers criticized the approach, with many saying it felt like peer pressure. People started questioning why MrBeast didn’t reach out to his wealthy friends or business connections, instead of asking fellow creators who, while successful, may not have the same financial resources.

The $14 Million Call-Out

A particularly controversial moment came when MrBeast mentioned a creator named Karina Cop, who had reportedly said she had $14 million in one of her bank accounts. In the stream, MrBeast implied that, given her wealth, she should contribute a large amount, setting her up for judgment. This triggered further backlash, as fans pointed out that the pressure to donate such a sum could alienate potential donors and create uncomfortable situations.

Comparing Methods: MrBeast vs. Ryan Trhan

Many fans noted that MrBeast’s approach differed significantly from other creators like Ryan Trhan, who raised millions for St. Jude’s in a humble and grateful way. Ryan’s campaigns, focused on being grateful for every donation, were praised for their authenticity, contrasting with MrBeast’s seemingly more showy and high-pressure tactics. The criticism seemed to stem from MrBeast’s focus on large donations for viral moments, rather than a genuine emphasis on the cause itself.

Fans’ Reactions and the Future of the Campaign

The mixed reactions are also tied to the sense of disconnect between the wealth of the involved creators and the ordinary people they are asking to donate. The sense of community and solidarity was questioned when big donations were more about impressing viewers than raising money for the cause. Fans pointed out the irony of MrBeast, who is reportedly worth around $1 billion, asking others to donate large sums while only giving $50K to Ryan Trhan’s charity.

As the campaign continues, it’s clear that while MrBeast’s mission is powerful, the way it’s being carried out has sparked concerns. The ethical implications of asking people to donate large amounts on live-streamed events—especially when some donors might feel compelled or guilted into contributing—are at the heart of the conversation. Whether or not this approach harms the public perception of MrBeast’s charitable work remains to be seen.