YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, and author and gaming creator Thea Booysen built their relationship following a cancelled expedition to Antarctica in 2022. According to Booysen, a delayed travel itinerary and subsequent dinner meeting in South Africa set the foundation for a four-year romance that culminated in an engagement announced on New Year’s Day 2025.
The initial connection developed far away from traditional celebrity matchmaking circles. Donaldson had travelled to South Africa alongside fellow online creators Logan Paul and Casey Neistat with plans to push onward to Antarctica for a production project. However, members of the travelling party tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the group to scrap the itinerary and extend their stay in South Africa, according to Booysen.
During the unexpected downtime, Donaldson coordinated a dinner with a mutual friend, who suggested inviting Booysen. At the time, Booysen was known for her independent online presence and academic background in psychology, law, and human cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh, streaming under the moniker TheaBeasty and working with the South African esports organization Nixuh.
An Accidental First Date Defined by Questions
What started as a casual dinner quickly took on a structured tone. Booysen has noted that Donaldson spent much of the evening posing a lengthy series of inquiries. While she initially viewed the questions as friendly conversation, she later realized that Donaldson was actively assessing compatibility as he sought a partner.
Rather than feeling deterred by the formal approach, Booysen welcomed the intellectual engagement. She valued that Donaldson maintained a conversation across diverse subjects outside of digital media production and viral stunts. Conversely, Donaldson later recalled being immediately struck by her extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines, noting within minutes of meeting her that he wanted to pursue a relationship.
The connection moved to digital platforms following the dinner. Donaldson reached out via X, formerly known as Twitter, shifting the topic away from standard introductory remarks to inquire about her upcoming fantasy novel, The Marked Children. Approximately a month later, Booysen shared the manuscript with him, sparking a three-hour phone conversation that confirmed their mutual ability to sustain lengthy, detailed discussions.
Balancing Long-Distance Demands and Individual Careers
Geographical challenges quickly tested the budding romance. Booysen balanced her academic commitments in Scotland and her roots in South Africa, while Donaldson managed his United States-based production businesses and relentless travel schedule. Despite demanding professional obligations, the pair maintained regular contact and gradually transitioned into a more public relationship.
By maintaining her own independent projects, esports commentary, and streaming career, she retained a distinct identity separate from the massive scale of the MrBeast brand.
As their bond strengthened, Donaldson expressed a desire to propose as early as 2023. At Booysen’s request, the engagement was delayed to allow her to focus on completing her master’s degree in human cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh. Donaldson respected the boundary, waiting until she finalized her academic milestone.
Engagement and Private Wedding Plans
On Christmas Day 2024, Donaldson proposed at a family home with both families present. Eschewing the elaborate scale characteristic of his mainstream YouTube videos, Donaldson staged a modest surprise by dropping a large box before getting down on one knee. The couple shared the news of their engagement publicly on January 1, 2025.
Looking toward the future, the couple has indicated a preference for privacy regarding their nuptials. Donaldson and Booysen have discussed organizing an intimate ceremony on an island surrounded exclusively by close friends and relatives, sharply contrasting with the massive audiences that define his professional career. As of July 2026, no official confirmation of a wedding date has been released by the couple.
What began as a logistical failure in a global travel schedule ultimately forged a lasting partnership built on shared intellectual curiosity, mutual respect for independent careers, and a deliberate step away from the public spotlight.
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