In a shocking turn of events, MrBeast has joined the bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations in an all-cash offer. The YouTube star, known for his massive following and lucrative brand, has teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to make a serious play for the social video app.
The Unexpected Player in the TikTok Deal
MrBeast, the 26-year-old YouTube star with a massive following of 346 million, has joined forces with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to make an all-cash offer for TikTok’s US operations. This move comes as Donald Trump expressed his openness to Elon Musk and Larry Ellison buying the social video app in the US.
MrBeast’s Interest in Acquiring TikTok
In a series of social media posts, MrBeast (whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson) floated his interest in acquiring TikTok, stating “I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.” He also revealed that he had been talking to a “bunch of billionaires” about a bid. With his YouTube channel generating $85 million last year and his brand valued at a significant amount, MrBeast’s involvement in the deal adds an interesting twist.
The Bid Details
The US law firm Paul Hastings announced the Donaldson bid in a statement on Tuesday, with Tinsley leading an investor group comprising institutional investors and high-net worth individuals. However, the size of the all-cash bid remains undisclosed, although Trump valued TikTok at $1 trillion (£811 billion). The future of TikTok’s US operations remains uncertain despite its recent reinstatement after being forced to shut down due to a 19 January deadline for its Chinese parent, ByteDance, to sell the app’s US unit.
Trump’s Openness to Musk and Ellison
In a press conference on Tuesday, Trump expressed his openness to Elon Musk making a bid, stating “I would be, if he wanted to buy it. I’d like Larry [Ellison] to buy it too.” Ellison, who was present at the press conference, described the deal as sounding “good.” The US president also mentioned that TikTok is worth $1 trillion with a “permit” to operate in the US under 50% US ownership.
The Uncertain Future of TikTok
Despite coming back online on Sunday after its brief shutdown, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain. Republican lawmakers have questioned the legality of suspending the law requiring TikTok’s sale, and Apple and Google have not reinstated the app on their stores as of Tuesday.
- theguardian.com | YouTube star MrBeast joins bid to buy TikTok in US
- bloomberg.com | MrBeast Joins New Bid, Assembled by Jesse Tinsley, to Buy TikTok ...
