MrBeast Breaks Silence About Former Co-host Ava Kris Tyson Allegedly 'Grooming' A 13-Year-Old: 'I Am Disgusted'
MrBeast is speaking out about serious allegations about one of his former co-hosts.
Ava Kris Tyson, a longtime friend and collaborator of the most popular YouTuber MrBeast, was accused of "grooming" a 13-year-old online when she was 20.
"Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them," the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children says on its website. "Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked."
This week, Tyson, who is a transgender woman, announced that she is leaving the YouTube channel, which boasts over 306 million subscribers.
According to the 'New York Post,' Tyson was criticized for allegedly developing a relationship with a minor online. Speculation about Tyson's inappropriate behavior with the minor began in June when users analyzed online interactions between the pair.
Now, MrBeast, real name James Stephen "Jimmy" Donaldson, is speaking out, letting fans know he will no longer work with Tyson and a third party has been hired to conduct an investigation.
On Wednesday, the 26-year-old wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, how "Over the last few days, I've become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson's behavior online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts."
Over the last few days, I’ve become aware of the serious allegations of Ava Tyson's behavior online and I am disgusted and opposed to such unacceptable acts.
— MrBeast (@MrBeast) July 25, 2024
During that time, I have been focused on hiring an independent third party to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure…
"I've seen enough online and taken immediate action to remove Ava from the company, my channel, and any association with MrBeast. I do not condone or support any of the inappropriate actions," the philanthropist continued.
The Kansas native concluded his statement telling fans how he "will allow the independent investigators the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive investigation and will take any further actions based on their findings."
Ava Tyson, who was born Chris Tyson, also addressed the accusations with an apology online.
"I would like to apologize for any of my past behavior or comments if it hurt or offended anyone. It was not my intent," Tyson wrote Tuesday on X. "Seeing recent events we've mutually decided it's best I permanently step away from all things MrBeast and social media to focus on my family and mental health."
The 28-year-old also wrote on the same social media platform how her "old humor" is "not acceptable."
Having said that, I humbly apologise to anyone I have hurt with my unacceptable social media posts, past actions, and to those who may feel betrayed by how I used to act online.
— Ava Kris Tyson (@kristyson_) July 23, 2024
"To lump these two factors together to create a narrative that my behavior extended beyond bad edgy jokes is disgusting and did not happen," she wrote. "In past years, I have learned that my old humor is not acceptable. I cannot change who I was, but I can continue to work on myself."
The suspected victim of Tyson's grooming, who goes by the handle LavaGS, denied all speculation on X.
"These videos are massive lies and twisting the truth," the user, now 20 years old, said. "Ava never did anything wrong and just made a few edgy jokes. I was never exploited or taken advantage of."
