Share this @internewscast.com

Virtual Dining Concepts, a brand that partnered with YouTube star MrBeast in 2020, is continuing to push back against claims he made in a July lawsuit about their burger venture, according to a new legal filing. 

The Florida-based “virtual dining” brand partnered with MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, to sell branded burger-and-fries combos through restaurants and commercial kitchens across the nation. The delivery-only fast-food provider enabled customers to order MrBeast-branded meals from nearby restaurants via food delivery apps or its website.

But in July, Donaldson, who has 218 million subscribers on YouTube, filed a lawsuit in New York federal court against the company alleging that it damaged his reputation by serving customers “low quality” and, occasionally, “inedible” food.

A week later, VDC and its subsidiary, Celebrity Virtual Dining, LLC, asserted in its own lawsuit — filed in New York state court — that Donaldson and his company, Beast Investments, failed to keep contractual obligations and sued over intentional tortious interference. Donaldson then dropped his federal lawsuit and refiled in state court.

In a new filing Monday, VDC responded to Donaldson’s lawsuit with an amended answer and counterclaims. It asked that the court dismiss Donaldson’s claims, grant damages to VDC and CVD, and grant the company further relief as the court deems fit. 

“Among other claims, the filing seeks to recover losses plus interest for breaches of contract and the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing,” a spokesperson for VDC wrote in a statement, “as well as an injunction precluding Donaldson from further disparaging MrBeast Burger and VDC.”

An attorney for Donaldson declined to comment on Tuesday. 

The legal battle is unfolding as ghost kitchens — online food service businesses that offer exclusively delivery and pickup — have risen in popularity in recent years. VDC’s other ventures, from “Mariah’s Cookies” with Mariah Carey to “Buddy V’s Cake Slice” with “Cake Boss” reality star Buddy Valastro, have built a business enmeshing this pandemic-era boom in food delivery with growing celebrity and influencer fan culture.

VDC’s lawsuit and counterclaim both state that Donaldson leveraged his massive social media presence to make “disparaging comments” about the company. 

In his suit, Donaldson, famous for his expensive stunts and viral charity projects, cited social media posts in which customers called the burgers “disgusting,” “revolting” and “inedible.”

VDC stated in Monday’s filing that it could not verify the accuracy of the “thousands of negative reviews, articles, and comments” from customers who expressed disappointment in MrBeast Burger that were cited by Donaldson. 

It also addressed each of the specific claims made by Donaldson in his lawsuit. The company denied the majority of his accusations — including that the company marketed his name and image online without permission, registered MrBeast-related trademarks without his consent, and that Donaldson has “not received a dime” from the venture despite MrBeast Burger having generated “millions of dollars.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Lilo & Stitch' stars reflect on fan support and film's success at San Diego Comic-Con 

At San Diego Comic-Con, the stars of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ discuss the film’s achievements and the unwavering support from fans.

SAN DIEGO — The cast of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” felt the…
Law enforcement's response to fatal shooting of state lawmakers raises questions

Questions Arise Over Law Enforcement’s Reaction to Lawmakers’ Fatal Shooting

Law enforcement’s response to the June 14 shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers…
'A Journey to Freedom': Chicago filmmaker Anisa Selenica honors Albanian heritage with powerful documentary

‘Albanian Heritage Celebrated in Captivating Documentary by Chicago Filmmaker Anisa Selenica’

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago filmmaker, who is part of our ABC7…
Chicago crime: Angelique Mobley, Lamon Weathers, Matthew Price charged in kidnapping of 2-year-old girl in Bronzeville, police say

Angelique Mobley, Lamon Weathers, and Matthew Price Face Charges in Bronzeville Kidnapping of 2-Year-Old Girl, Remain in Custody

CHICAGO (WLS) — A mother and two additional individuals facing charges related…
Attorney weighs in on family's rage after Kaylee Goncalves' sister scorches 'stupid, clumsy' killer Kohberger

Attorney Comments on Family’s Anger Following Kaylee Goncalves’ Sister’s Criticism of Kohberger

Kaylee Goncalves’ elder sister, Alivea Stevenson, delivered a scathing address to Idaho…
Grimsby park scene with pond and fountain.

27-Year-Old Man Arrested for Allegedly Soliciting Children for Sexual Acts in Park

A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after he allegedly touched himself while…
Israel announces immediate resumption of Gaza aid airdrops amid growing hunger crisis

Israel to Resume Gaza Aid Airdrops Immediately in Response to Worsening Hunger Crisis

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it would restart its airdrop operations…
New: Biden-Appointed Judge Tosses Trump Admin Sanctuary City Lawsuit

Recent Development: Judge Appointed by Biden Dismisses Lawsuit from Trump Administration on Sanctuary Cities

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has been at odds…
Shooting near Bradford High leaves father of suspect's children dead

Fatal Shooting Near Bradford High: Suspect’s Children’s Father Killed

A shooting near Bradford High School leaves a man dead, with Mindy…
USPS holding 'Stamp Encore' vote to bring back favorite stamp

USPS Launches ‘Stamp Encore’ Poll to Revive Beloved Stamps

Voters can pick from 25 options through Sept. 30. The winner will…
Bomb damage and smoke over rubble-strewn landscape.

Israel to Restart Airlift of Aid into Gaza Tonight as IDF Opens ‘Humanitarian Corridors’ Amid Increasing Calls for Ceasefire

ISRAEL has resumed air-dropping foreign aid into Gaza and said it will…
Trump Urges Scrutiny of Clinton’s Epstein Ties, Denies Island Visits: ‘I Was Never There’

Trump Redirects Attention to Clinton’s Alleged 28 Visits to Epstein’s Island

President Donald Trump, addressing reporters at the White House on Friday, July…