Judge urges MrBeast, VDC to settle MrBeast Burger dispute but allows trial

At a Thursday hearing, New York County Supreme Court Judge Jennifer Schecter urged YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) and partner Virtual Dining Concepts to settle their legal fight over MrBeast Burger to avoid airing “dirty laundry,” but she ruled both cases could proceed toward trial.

The parties launched MrBeast Burger, a largely delivery-only venture, with VDC in 2020. The partnership was plagued by tensions over undercooked orders and Donaldson’s demands for more control of the business. Donaldson’s company sued VDC in July 2023, portraying him as a victim trying to escape an unfair contract that damaged his reputation.

VDC countersued, saying Donaldson walked away from a promising deal and failed to meet contractual obligations including appearances and promotions.

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