Mexican authorities accuse YouTuber MrBeast of violating filming permit terms by commercializing the country's historical sites. An investigation is underway following claims of misinformation and unauthorized advertising in his recent viral video featuring Mayan pyramids.
Mexico Takes Action Against MrBeast for Alleged Exploitation of Mayan Pyramids
Mexico Takes Action Against MrBeast for Alleged Exploitation of Mayan Pyramids
The popular YouTuber faces scrutiny over his filming practices at ancient sites in Mexico, prompting government officials to investigate his permit usage.
Mexico's cultural officials are raising alarms about YouTuber MrBeast’s recent video where he reportedly exploited ancient Mayan pyramids without proper authorization. The influencer, known for his massive reach, showcased historical sites while promoting his chocolate product as a "Mayan dessert."
The controversy stems from his video titled "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples," which garnered over 60 million views in a week. Mexico’s government granted MrBeast a filming permit; however, officials claim he breached the terms by using the footage for commercial purposes without consent.
A representative for MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, countered the accusations, asserting that no promotional material was filmed at any archaeological site overseen by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). They explained that the video aimed to celebrate the ancient Mayan culture and spark interest in these historical locations, expressing hope that the issue leads to constructive discussions.
Despite these defense claims, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza emphasized the government’s disdain for any commercial exploitation that undermines the heritage of indigenous cultures. She announced that the INAH would investigate the conditions surrounding MrBeast's permit and was considering administrative actions against Full Circle Media, the production company involved.
In the eye-catching video, MrBeast and his crew explore restricted areas within iconic Mayan sites like Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. Assertions within the footage, including dramatic scenes of descending into a pyramid via helicopter and portraying ancient artifacts, faced rebuttals from heritage authorities, who labeled them as misleading.
President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated a complete inquiry to assess the permit’s issuance, reflecting the administration's commitment to protecting cultural integrity while simultaneously promoting tourism in Mexico. As discussions continue, the spotlight remains fixated on the balance between digital content creation and the preservation of historical treasures.
