Ex-Employee Claims Years of Harassment and Retaliation After Maternity Leave from MrBeast's Company

A former employee of Beast Industries has initiated legal action against the media production company owned by MrBeast, alleging that she was terminated from her role as social media manager shortly after returning from maternity leave. The lawsuit, filed by Lorrayne Mavromatis in a North Carolina federal court, outlines claims of sexual harassment and gender discrimination that she endured during her tenure.

Mavromatis asserts that her dismissal violated federal laws designed to protect employees taking unpaid leave for family and medical reasons, including childbirth. In addition to the lawsuit, she has lodged a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, citing discrimination based on sex and pregnancy, as well as retaliation.

Describing her experience, Mavromatis stated, “I was still bleeding, and I just had to show up,” referring to her return to work shortly after giving birth. Just weeks into her full-time return, she claims she was let go.

In response, a spokesperson for Beast Industries dismissed the lawsuit as a “clout-chasing complaint,” alleging it is based on “deliberate misrepresentations.” They claimed that Mavromatis’s position was eliminated due to a reorganization led by the new head of ecommerce.

The company provided evidence from a Slack conversation dated March 31, 2025, where a colleague advised Mavromatis against checking messages while she was in labor. They also shared a screenshot showing her acknowledgment of the employee handbook, which included Family and Medical Leave Act policies.

“We will not submit to opportunistic lawyers looking to manufacture a payday from us,” the spokesperson added.

Mavromatis’s allegations highlight troubling aspects of the workplace culture at Beast Industries, particularly as the company seeks to expand its influence under Jimmy Donaldson’s leadership. The lawsuit paints a picture of a toxic environment that the company has been attempting to reform amid its growth into television and financial services.

Concerns about the internal culture at Beast Industries emerged two years ago following backlash over Donaldson’s past remarks and allegations against a collaborator regarding inappropriate communications with minors. In an email to staff in August 2024, Donaldson acknowledged the need for a safer workplace culture.

Following an external investigation that uncovered instances of harassment, several employees were terminated. Donaldson has since broadened his presence in mainstream entertainment, appearing at events like the MTV Video Music Awards and featuring in commercials.

Beast Industries, which employed around 450 individuals last year, is currently on a hiring spree, seeking executives from major companies as it aims to thrive beyond Donaldson’s personal brand.

Mavromatis’s lawsuit coincides with the upcoming TIME100 celebration in New York City, where Donaldson is set to be recognized among influential figures. The lawsuit references a 36-page guide titled “HOW TO SUCCEED IN MRBEAST PRODUCTION,” which allegedly encouraged employees to prioritize work over personal well-being.

Amidst this backdrop, Mavromatis recounted joining team meetings from her hospital bed during labor, fearing repercussions if she did not participate. “I actually had to hold my breath in between talks because of how hard the contractions were,” she recalled.

Initially hired in August 2022 as head of Instagram, Mavromatis quickly rose through the ranks but later sought advice from James Warren, then CEO and Donaldson’s cousin, regarding Donaldson’s apparent discomfort around her. Warren reportedly remarked on Donaldson’s awkwardness around attractive women.

After reporting harassment to human resources—led by Donaldson’s mother—Mavromatis claims she was demoted to an obscure role. The company has denied this assertion, labeling it “false and inaccurate.”

The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund is backing Mavromatis’s case, emphasizing the need for accountability in workplaces plagued by abuse. “We see this pattern frequently, where those with influence and power are allowed to harm others and retaliate against those who decide to speak up,” stated senior director Jennifer Mondino.