Title: MrBeast Takes the Bid for TikTok
MrBeast, the popular YouTube and TikTok star, along with a group of investors, is eyeing a potential purchase of TikTok. This move comes as a 75-day window ticks down for TikTok to secure a non-Chinese owner to avoid a permanent ban. On January 13th, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, jokingly expressed his interest in buying TikTok on his platform, but his lawyer confirmed to CNN that it was a serious intention.
The bid from Donaldson and his investors is the latest development in a tumultuous few days for TikTok. The app went offline for a brief period on Saturday due to an impending nationwide ban, but it was back online after President Trump announced a delay in the ban by 75 days.
Two days following his initial post, MrBeast announced his intention to acquire TikTok in a video on the platform. He mentioned a meeting with a group of billionaires and their readiness to make an offer to purchase TikTok. The bid stems from the Supreme Court's upholding of a federal law that requires TikTok to sell to a non-China-based company or face a ban.
The investor group, led by Jesse Tinsley, the founder and CEO of Employer.com, is composed of institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals who wish to prevent TikTok's demise. They claim that their offer would maintain the continuity of operations for TikTok's 170 million American users and address national security concerns.
The proposal from this investment group aims to provide a solution that preserves the platform while addressing legitimate national security concerns. Tinsley, the group's leader, did not disclose the amount of the bid.
Sources:1. CNN; TikTok's proposed U.S. sale clears revived courts' review, but sale not imminent; December 10, 20202. CNN; TikTok ban would prevent new users; Trump expected to sign order delaying enforcement until late January; December 8, 20203. CNN; TikTok ban only applies to new downloads, updates; December 8, 20204. Forbes; The People's Bid For TikTok Wants To Buy The Social Media App; December 13, 2020
MrBeast's investment group is serious about purchasing TikTok to ensure business continuity for its 170 million American users. This move aligns with the Supreme Court's requirement for TikTok to sell to a non-China-based company to avoid a permanent ban.