Caleb Hearon says MrBeast called to apologise after Rolling Stone creator ranking backlash

Comedian Caleb Hearon has confirmed that YouTube star Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson personally apologised to him following controversy over Rolling Stone’s annual creator ranking.

In August 2025, Rolling Stone released its list of most influential creators, placing Hearon at number six and MrBeast at number seven.

Shortly after the ranking was published, MrBeast posted a message on X questioning how someone with fewer followers could be ranked higher.

The post was later deleted, but it drew strong criticism from users who defended Hearon and argued that Donaldson was taking the ranking too seriously.

MrBeast later clarified that he had looked into Hearon’s work after the fact and softened his stance, but discussion of the incident continued across social media.

Hearon, meanwhile, responded with humour, reposting the tweet to his Instagram story and joking about being in “peace talks” with the YouTuber. He told fans that he was not offended and believed the online reaction had exaggerated the situation.

On September 11, Hearon appeared on the YouTube series Mythical Kitchen, where the hosts presented a cake reading “Sorry Mr. Beast.” During the episode, he revealed that MrBeast had contacted him directly after the backlash.

“Mr. Beast called me and said, ‘I’m so sorry about that,’” Hearon recalled. He added that he found the situation amusing, saying, “I legitimately thought it was funny. I laughed so hard. It meant nothing to me.”

Hearon also noted that he did not interpret the Rolling Stone article as a rigid ranking, suggesting the list was structured to keep readers engaged rather than serve as a strict measurement.

The segment ended with the cake gag revised to read as an apology from MrBeast rather than to him. With the direct apology made, Hearon confirmed the matter had been settled.