Popular YouTuber Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson has found himself at the centre of a fiery online debate, not over one of his lavish stunts, but over his love for anime. The controversy erupted after he changed his profile picture on social media platform X to Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of the globally beloved series One Piece.
The Spark: A Profile Picture That Ignited a Firestorm
Soon after the change, a segment of the anime community launched heavy criticism against the content creator. Accusations flew fast, with many claiming MrBeast was merely pretending to like anime to grab attention and using the culture for marketing purposes. The claims spread rapidly across social media platforms, putting the philanthropist YouTuber on the defensive.
MrBeast did not take the allegations lightly. He quickly pushed back, calling the claims unfair and untrue. He took to X to explain his situation, stating that he had finally found time during the recent holidays to start watching the epic One Piece. He emphasized his long-standing connection to anime, writing, "I've watched countless anime and have probably seen more than 90 percent of people reading this tweet." He directly addressed his critics, urging them to stop labelling him a "fake anime fan."
Doubling Down: From Words to a Concrete List
As the debate intensified, MrBeast chose to engage further rather than retreat. On January 7, 2026, in a collaborative video with fellow creator Jasontheween, he spoke openly about the harsh reaction from parts of the One Piece fanbase. He expressed that the constant accusations of watching anime solely for views were hurtful.
The situation reached a new peak two days later, on January 9, 2026. In a reply to a post by user @HMBohemond on X, MrBeast decided to offer tangible proof of his fandom. He called the ongoing accusations "slander" and presented a clear list of anime titles he claims to have completed. His post read, "Call me weird, call me lame, but do not call me a fake anime fan. I have watched countless anime. Here is a list of some I have seen."
The list he shared contained 22 diverse titles, spanning action, drama, and emotional narratives, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary series:
- Naruto
- Code Geass
- Frieren
- Steins;Gate
- Attack on Titan (2x)
- Hunter x Hunter
- Guardians of the Galactic Hero's (Legend of the Galactic Heroes)
- Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice)
- Your Name
- Megalo Box
- My Hero Academia
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Solo Leveling
- The Promised Neverland
- Death Note
- Your Lie in April
- Parasite
- Erased
- Akame ga Kill
- Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
- Hell's Paradise
- Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
The Aftermath and Lasting Debate
Despite providing his list, the online discussion continues. MrBeast has remained firm in his stance, arguing that genuine enjoyment of anime should not require public validation. This incident highlights the intense passion within fan communities and the speed at which judgment can circulate on social media. It underscores the sometimes-gatekeeping nature of niche fandoms and the scrutiny public figures face regarding their personal interests. For now, MrBeast stands by his list, defending his right to be a fan without constant proof.
