Legal Consequences for YouTubers

In this document, we discuss some YouTubers' antics that, while entertaining, potentially violated various laws and the consequences they might face.

MrBeast

• Incident: Filmed the Eiffel Tower at night in a video with over 1.4 billion views.
• Legal Issue: French copyright law protects the Eiffel Tower's lights, not allowing the use of their image for profit.
• Potential Consequences: Could face fines up to €300,000 or up to three years in prison, though enforcement is unlikely.

iShowSpeed

• Incident: Worked remotely while traveling on a tourist visa in New Zealand.
• Legal Issue: Tourist visas do not permit earning money.
• Potential Consequences: Could owe taxes and face a ban from New Zealand and possibly other countries.

Jesse from Nelk

• Incident: Attempted a prank at a Bass Pro Shop by pretending to fish in a store's tank.
• Legal Issues: Trespassing and potentially causing mischief.
• Potential Consequences: Could face fines up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.

Marques Brownlee

• Incident: Uploaded a video showing himself driving at 96 mph in a 35 mph zone.
• Legal Issue: Speeding and reckless driving in New Jersey.
• Potential Consequences: Up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $200, or more severe penalties for repeat offenses.

Bradley Martin

• Incident: Pushed another YouTuber during a gym live stream.
• Legal Issue: Potential battery under California law.
• Potential Consequences: Up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Juan Gonzalez

• Incident: Prank where he cut people's earphones and gave them AirPods.
• Legal Issues: Property damage and assault.
• Potential Consequences: Jail time and fines for both misdemeanors.

Hayley Welch (Hawktua Girl)

• Incident: Released a crypto coin which tanked massively in value.
• Legal Issue: Accused of a pump and dump scheme.
• Potential Consequences: Securities fraud charges, up to 20 years in prison, and $5 million in fines.

Jack Doherty

• Incident: Crashed his car while speeding and using his phone, injuring his cameraman.
• Legal Issue: Reckless driving and potential felony due to causing injury.
• Potential Consequences: Up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

These cases illustrate how seemingly harmless actions on video can lead to real-world legal challenges.