MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), the YouTube star with over 300 million subscribers, has joined a bid to purchase TikTok in an effort to prevent the app from being banned in the United States. Initially, Donaldson posted a playful tweet on Sunday saying, "Okay fine, I'll buy TikTok so it doesn't get banned," but later clarified that his tweet sparked interest from several billionaires, and discussions about a potential acquisition were underway.
Donaldson, whose estimated net worth is $700 million, has reportedly been in talks with multiple parties about acquiring TikTok. Sources suggest that his involvement in the deal would provide a unique opportunity to maintain the platform's operations, given his massive social media influence. If the acquisition moves forward, Donaldson would likely secure minority ownership in TikTok.
The stakes are high, as TikTok faces an imminent ban in the U.S. after Congress passed a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell or shut down the app by January 19, 2025. The legal battle has drawn attention from multiple players, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, who has been rumored to be in talks with Chinese officials about taking control of TikTok's U.S. operations. This move could help expand Musk’s influence in the tech space, particularly with his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), and his AI ventures through xAI.
Despite legal challenges, TikTok is pushing back against the ban, arguing that it violates free speech protections. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on the law, which could determine the app's fate. With the deadline looming, strategic moves involving figures like Musk and Donaldson could reshape the future of TikTok in America.
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