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Home / Entertainment

MrBeast spotted: YouTuber dines at popular Auckland restaurant, believed to be filming in New Zealand

Natasha Gordon
By Natasha Gordon
Live News Reporter·NZ Herald·
15 Jun, 2024 04:03 AM2 mins to read

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The world’s largest YouTube star MrBeast, is rumored to be filming a video on Kiwi shores after being spotted by keen-eyed viewers around the country this week. Photo / AP/ X

The world’s largest YouTube star MrBeast, is rumored to be filming a video on Kiwi shores after being spotted by keen-eyed viewers around the country this week. Photo / AP/ X

The world’s largest YouTube star MrBeast is believed to be filming a video on Kiwi shores after being spotted here by keen-eyed fans.

The 26-year-old, real name Jimmy Donaldson, has more than 280 million subscribers that reportedly bring in revenue of close to $1 billion a year.

MrBeast is known for his fast-paced stunts, one of which was being willingly buried alive, and giving away hundreds of thousands of dollars on camera.

And, according to fans, he’s in New Zealand.

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He posted on social media on Saturday that he was preparing a video that was years in the making and described it as an “obstacle course in the sky”.

The viral sensation was spotted enjoying a meal at the popular Auckland Viaduct restaurant Oyster and Chop on Thursday night.

Senior waiter and long-time viewer Elliot Willemetz told the Herald he served the influencer who was with a group of three others that he didn’t recognise from videos.

Willemetz said he had to take a second look after he took the order from the table, where Donaldson ordered a steak, to make sure it was the YouTube star.

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“He was very chill, an absolute gentleman from beginning to end.

“The table was laughing all the time, having a really good time.”

Willemetz said he remained professional throughout the exchange and didn’t ask for a photo with the star.

“I tried my best to make it casual and discrete, no matter who it is.”

He said he could tell the star wanted a quiet intimate dinner with his guests without disruption from onlookers.

“I think he felt a sense of fear being recognised in these quiet moments.”

The world’s largest YouTube star MrBeast, is rumored to be filming a video on Kiwi shores. Photo / AP
The world’s largest YouTube star MrBeast, is rumored to be filming a video on Kiwi shores. Photo / AP

Willemetz said he previously was lucky enough to serve Rod Stewart and got to chat to him as he waited for a taxi.

The viral video personality was also spotted by keen-eyed shoppers admiring his Feastables confectionary range at a Woolworths in Hamilton on Friday.

Hamilton woman Elle said Donaldson went into the store “I went over and asked for a photo, a guy from his team jumped in front of me and said ‘Sorry he’s working’,” Elle told the Herald.

“MrBeast himself said ‘Sorry no photos, I’m working’,” she added.

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Previously Donaldson received global attention for a video called “Real Life Squid Game”, featuring full-scale sets and costumes and hundreds of people pitted against each other for a prize of US$456,000 (NZ$668,000).

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