MrBeast’s launch of an AI-powered thumbnail generator for smaller YouTube creators quickly turned controversial as critics accused it of art theft. Esteemed YouTubers like PointCrow and Jacksepticeye criticized the tool for replicating existing thumbnails without consent. Following the backlash, MrBeast apologized, removed the tool, and promised to support human artists instead. This incident raises broader discussions in the creator economy surrounding AI’s role, copyright issues, and economic impact on artists.