MrBeast Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Maya Ruins Video

In a video showcasing his adventure at Chichén Itzá, MrBeast allegedly violates preservation rules, prompting potential legal action from Mexican officials.

 

In a surprising turn of events, the Mexican Culture Secretary announced this week that they are contemplating legal action against the production company linked to the popular YouTuber MrBeast. This comes on the heels of a video that portrays MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, exploring ancient Maya ruins and seemingly disregarding established guidelines for visiting such culturally significant sites.

The controversial video, aptly titled “I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples,” premiered on Saturday and has since attracted over 60 million views. The content features MrBeast and his crew at the Maya city of Chichén Itzá, famous for its more than 1,000-year-old structures and designation as one of the wonders of the modern world, drawing nearly two million tourists each year.

While showcasing the ruins, a voice in the video asserts, “Everything you guys are seeing now the Mayans didn’t want us to see,” suggesting an unauthorized level of access to the archaeological site. Visitors are granted entry with specific conditions that prohibit climbing the pyramids and remaining after dark.

The footage raised eyebrows as it includes MrBeast hiking through the ruins at night and even scaling a pyramid, with a playful quip, “I’m climbing these stairs like a dog.” Towards the latter part of the video, MrBeast cleverly markets his ‘Feastables’ brand, stating, “the only Mayan-approved snack on the planet.”

Despite the entertainment value, the implications of this production may leave a lasting impact on the relationship between content creators and cultural heritage preservation, prompting questions about respect and regulations surrounding such ancient sites. Since filming permissions are granted within specific limits, the unfolding legal considerations may serve as a wake-up call for influencers planning similar excursions in the future.