Mexico Takes Action Against MrBeast for Alleged Misuse of Filming Permit at Mayan Pyramids

Mexican officials are investigating YouTuber MrBeast for allegedly violating filming permit terms at ancient Mayan sites. The controversy erupted after he promoted a chocolate product in a video, leading to charges of misinformation and commercial exploitation.

Mexico is currently embroiled in controversy with popular YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, regarding the filming of his recent video showcasing ancient Mayan pyramids. Officials claim that MrBeast exploited a filming permit and misrepresented the archaeological sites for commercial purposes. The video, "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples," has gone viral, amassing over 60 million views within a week. However, Mexican authorities allege that while MrBeast did obtain permission to film, he was not allowed to use the footage for profit-influencing means.

In the highly viewed video, MrBeast is seen exploring historical Mayan cities and even promoting a chocolate product as a "Mayan dessert." Mexican officials are demanding compensation from MrBeast and the involved production company, citing a breach of the permit’s terms. A representative for MrBeast denied any wrongdoing, asserting that no advertisement was filmed at the archaeological sites overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The spokesperson expressed disappointment that the matter has escalated politically but hoped it could eventually lead to meaningful dialogue and encourage tourism to the sites.

Despite MrBeast's acknowledgment of the permission granted to film, President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for a thorough investigation into the permit's issuance and potential misinformation in the content. INAH has expressed concern that the video contains inaccuracies, specifically refuting claims made concerning the handling of pre-Hispanic artifacts and alleged helicopter scenes, which they suggest may have involved extensive post-production editing.

Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza emphasized that while Mexico welcomes responsible content promoting its cultural heritage, it will not tolerate exploitation of these significant archaeological sites. INAH is contemplating potential administrative sanctions against the production company, Full Circle Media, responsible for the filming. As MrBeast continues to dominate the social media landscape with around 395 million followers, this incident raises important discussions about the responsibility of influencers when engaging with cultural and historical contexts.