MrBeast’s Chance Encounter: How a Cancelled Antarctica Trip Led to an Unlikely Romance with Thea Booysen

A Delayed Flight That Changed the Course of a Relationship

A delayed trip in 2022 set the stage for an unexpected romance. Jimmy Donaldson, known online as MrBeast, and Thea Booysen’s connection began during a canceled Antarctic expedition. The group, including Logan Paul and Casey Neistat, faced a shutdown after members of the travelling party tested positive for COVID-19. The extended stay in South Africa became the backdrop for their first encounter.

Booysen, who has studied psychology, law and human cognitive neuropsychology, was invited to dinner by a mutual friend. The gathering proved pivotal. Donaldson had reportedly been looking for a new girlfriend and had certain qualities he wanted in a partner.

A Dinner Invitation That Sparked a Connection

The conversation shifted quickly. Donaldson, known for his methodical approach to content creation, began asking questions—a process he was, in a loose sense, evaluating whether they might be compatible. Booysen, with a background in human cognitive neuropsychology, found his curiosity refreshing. Donaldson asked questions, listened and showed that he had interests beyond viral challenges and expensive YouTube productions.

Donaldson, in turn, was struck by her range. He said he quickly found her both intelligent and beautiful and knew within the first few minutes that he wanted an opportunity to date her. The pair spent hours talking, but the relationship didn’t progress immediately.

An Intellectual Exchange That Bridged Two Worlds

Donaldson’s first move was unconventional: he reached out via X to ask about Booysen’s upcoming fantasy novel, The Marked Children. A month later, she sent him the book. That exchange led to a phone conversation that lasted around three hours.

Despite the long-distance dynamic—Booysen from South Africa, Donaldson’s businesses and production work mainly based in the United States—the bond endured. Booysen has built her own identity online under the name TheaBeasty. Her academic credentials, including a master’s degree in human cognitive neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh, underscored her independence.

A Quiet Proposal Amidst the Noise

By 2023, Donaldson was reportedly already interested in proposing. He waited for Booysen to finish her master’s degree. On Christmas Day 2024, he proposed at home while both of their families were present. The proposal contained a little of his familiar showmanship, but it was far smaller than one of his videos. Donaldson deliberately dropped a large box to create noise and make Booysen think that was the surprise. He then presented the actual ring, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

The couple announced their engagement on New Year’s Day 2025. Donaldson has said he does not want the wedding to become a giant public production, noting their preference for “slowing down” and prioritizing meaningful connections.

A Private Wedding Amid Public Scrutiny

Unlike some of Donaldson’s productions, their wedding plans remain under wraps. They’ve discussed an intimate island ceremony for close friends and family. Booysen has expressed a preference for something beautiful but not overly extravagant. As of July 2026, recent public speculation about a possible wedding date has not been followed by a clear official announcement confirming that the ceremony has taken place.

The decision to avoid spectacle contrasts with Donaldson’s career. Their focus remains on a partnership built on mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and a shared commitment to privacy.

The Role of Chance in a Unlikely Romance

Their story defies expectation. A canceled trip, a dinner invitation, and a shared love of storytelling led to a partnership that began with serendipity. The Antarctica project might have continued as planned; Donaldson might have left South Africa without attending that dinner, and Booysen might never have received the invitation from their mutual friend.

As they prepare for the future, the couple’s journey underscores how personal connections can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances. Four years later, the two are engaged and planning a future that appears far quieter than the videos that made Donaldson famous.