Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is the internet’s golden boy—philanthropist, YouTube titan, and master of stunts that cost more than most houses. But while his $1 billion Beast Burger empire and tree-planting campaigns dominate headlines, fans are equally obsessed with his personal life. Who is MrBeast dating? How does love work when you’re one of the most famous people on the planet? Let’s dive into the whirlwind romances, grand gestures, and surprising twists of Jimmy’s love life.
The Women Behind the Billionaire: Meet MrBeast’s Girlfriends
MrBeast’s dating history is a tale of two relationships: one that captivated fans with over-the-top romance, and another that’s redefined partnership in the spotlight. Spoiler: he’s engaged now, and it’s adorable.
Maddy Spidell: The Viral Valentine
Jimmy’s first public girlfriend was Maddy Spidell, a Milwaukee-born model and influencer. Their relationship began in 2019 after sliding into each other’s Twitter DMs . For three years, they were the internet’s favorite power couple, blending low-key moments with jaw-dropping gestures:
- The 100,000 Roses Stunt: In 2020, Jimmy filled Maddy’s house with roses spelling “I LOVE YOU” and a Baby Yoda made of petals—a video that racked up 82 million views before being unlisted .
- Social Media Whirlwind: They posted cozy snaps watching PewDiePie videos and even starred in a Valentine’s Day vlog together .
But by 2022, the relationship fizzled. Maddy hinted at emotional struggles in cryptic posts like, “People will hurt you, use you, spit you out, and then tell you it’s your fault” . Jimmy stayed silent, focusing on his work, while Maddy moved on with a mystery man spotted in Yosemite .
Key Takeaway: Their breakup highlighted the pitfalls of dating in the public eye—where grand gestures can’t always mask private struggles.
Thea Booysen: The Brainy Bride-to-Be
Enter Thea Booysen, a South African Twitch streamer, neuroscientist-in-training, and author of the fantasy novel The Marked Children. Jimmy met Thea in 2022 during a delayed trip to Antarctica, where a COVID quarantine in Cape Town led to a fateful dinner .
Their connection was instant but unconventional:
- The “Compatibility Test”: Jimmy grilled Thea on everything from neuroscience to her book, ensuring they shared values beyond fame .
- Long-Distance Hustle: With Thea in South Africa and Jimmy in North Carolina, they racked up frequent flyer miles visiting each other. By 2024, they’d moved in together—sort of. Thea splits her time between the U.S. (on a tourist visa) and Cape Town .
- The Cozy Proposal: On Christmas Eve 2024, Jimmy proposed with a ring hidden in a decoy box, opting for intimacy over his usual viral spectacle .
Thea’s intellect and independence have won fans over. As she told People: “He’s the first person who didn’t treat me like ‘MrBeast’s girlfriend.’ He sees me as Thea” .
Side-by-Side: How Maddy and Thea Stack Up
Let’s break down the key differences between Jimmy’s two high-profile relationships:
| Aspect | Maddy Spidell (2019–2022) | Thea Booysen (2022–Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting | Twitter DMs led to a comedy club date | Bonded over neuroscience during a COVID-delayed Antarctica trip |
| Public Persona | Instagram-friendly model and dancer | Twitch streamer, author, and psychology grad student |
| Signature Gesture | 100,000 roses and Baby Yoda petals | Private proposal with a “decoy box” prank |
| Fan Reception | Adored for romantic flair, later divided by cryptic breakup posts | Praised for intellectual chemistry and mutual respect |
| Legacy | A lesson in balancing love and virality | Proof that quiet partnerships thrive in chaos |
Why These Relationships Matter: Fame, Privacy, and Growth
MrBeast’s love life isn’t just gossip—it’s a case study in navigating relationships under a microscope.
1. The Double-Edged Sword of Viral Romance
Jimmy’s rose stunt for Maddy was peak “Beast” branding: extravagant, meme-worthy, and made for clicks. But when the relationship ended, fans dissected every deleted post, turning a private split into public drama . Thea, meanwhile, represents a shift toward privacy. As Jimmy admitted: “I wanted [the proposal] to be just for us—no cameras, no crowd” .
2. Dating as a Content Creator
Both women understood Jimmy’s grind. Maddy appeared in his videos, while Thea—a fellow streamer—gets the hustle. “We’re both obsessed with optimizing our time,” Thea shared on her Twitch channel . But their approaches differ: Maddy leaned into the spotlight; Thea builds her own brand (TheaBeasty) while staying off Jimmy’s main channel .
3. The “Gold Digger” Narrative
Both women faced accusations of dating Jimmy for clout or cash. Maddy clapped back: “I just want a boyfriend who likes anime!” . Thea, meanwhile, jokes about the irony: “I’m the one with a crypto portfolio—he’s* the risky investment!”* .
What’s Next for MrBeast and Thea?
With a ring on her finger and a neuropsychology degree in progress, Thea’s reshaping what it means to be a YouTube partner. Here’s what we know:
- Wedding Plans: Expect a mix of intimacy and subtle spectacle—maybe a tree-planting ceremony?
- Collaborations: Thea’s hinted at a psychology-focused YouTube channel, More Than Human . Could Jimmy help launch it?
- Long-Distance Love: The visa hurdles continue, but Thea’s mastering the art of transatlantic romance. “Love doesn’t care about time zones,” she tweeted recently.
Lessons from MrBeast’s Dating Playbook
- Grand Gestures ≠ Lasting Love: The roses wowed fans, but compatibility kept Thea.
- Privacy is Power: Jimmy’s quieter approach with Thea avoids the pitfalls of overexposure.
- Date Someone with Their Own Hustle: Thea’s independence complements Jimmy’s chaos.
Final Thoughts
MrBeast’s love life mirrors his YouTube career: bold, unpredictable, and relentlessly authentic. From rose-covered houses to neuroscience debates over South African coffee, his journey reminds us that even billionaires crave connection—preferably with someone who can handle a “compatibility test.”
As Thea once said: “The best relationships aren’t about fitting into someone’s world. They’re about building a new one together.” . For Jimmy, that world now includes a fiancée, 10 million trees, and maybe a wedding cake shaped like a Beast Burger.
