MrBeast responds to criticism after paying for surgery to cure 1,000 blind people

MrBeast, the most followed YouTuber with over 130 million subscribers, posted a video where he paid for 1,000 people to receive life-changing eye surgery. In the video, a surgeon explains how half of the people living with blindness only need a 10-minute surgery to be cured. The post quickly went viral, receiving 59 million views in just three days.

However, the creator received backlash from some saying the generous act was merely “for clout.” MrBeast quickly responded with a tweet aimed directly at the critics.

Twitter - Rich people should help others with their money

Me - Okay, I’ll use my money to help people and I promise to give away all my money before I die. Every single penny.

Twitter - MrBeast bad

— MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 30, 2023

MrBeast is known for his lavish YouTube videos including one where he stayed in a $1 million-a-night hotel. His videos also typically feature eclectic cash prize games, like winning $500,000 for being the “last man standing in a circle.”

However his latest video took a more serious tone, and documented the technology and procedure the patients were undergoing. Although the surgery is fairly simple, many afflicted people lack access to this operation due to financial constraints. The cost of the surgery can vary, but it can range between $3,000 and $5,000 per eye.

In the video, MrBeast also gave several of the patients large cash sums. Another received $50,000 in college tuition. He also gave a brand-new Tesla to a man who has never driven before. The patients are said to have come from “all over the world.” Watch the full video below:

MrBeast also criticized politicians by saying, “I don’t understand why curable blindness is a thing. Why don’t governments step in and help? Even if you’re thinking purely from a financial standpoint it’s hard to see how they don’t roi on taxes from people being able to work again.”