The Mexican government is demanding compensation from the creators of a recent MrBeast video, accusing the world-famous YouTuber of using the country’s ancient Mayan pyramids for profit without proper authorization.
In the video titled “I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples,” which has amassed over 60 million views in just one week, Jimmy Donaldson known to his fans as MrBeast and his team are seen exploring several historic Mayan cities. While the filming was conducted with an official permit, controversy erupted after MrBeast promoted a chocolate snack as a “Mayan dessert” and encouraged viewers to purchase it.
Authorities have clarified that although permission was granted to film at the archaeological sites, no consent was given for commercial advertising. A representative for MrBeast responded, stating that no promotional material was shot on any site overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), and the advertising segment was filmed at a separate camping location.
The spokesperson also stressed that the video aimed to highlight the cultural importance of these ancient sites, expressing disappointment that the issue had become political and hoping it would spark meaningful discussion and greater tourism to Mexico’s historical treasures.
Despite these explanations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an official investigation into the circumstances under which the filming permit was issued. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, condemned any “commercial pursuit that distorts the value of archaeological sites,” emphasizing that these sites are a legacy of indigenous cultures and a source of national pride.
Curiel de Icaza added that while Mexico welcomes projects that promote awareness of its archaeological and cultural heritage, it firmly opposes any exploitation of institutional goodwill for private gain. INAH is now considering administrative sanctions against Full Circle Media, the production company that secured the filming permit.
The controversy has grown further after heritage officials accused MrBeast of presenting misleading scenes, such as appearing to descend into a pyramid by helicopter and handling an ancient mask. INAH stated that these sequences were staged or heavily edited, and denied that MrBeast ever had access to real pre-Hispanic artifacts.
MrBeast, who currently boasts the largest subscriber count on YouTube with 395 million followers, thanked Mexican authorities for granting filming access in the video’s description, while also promoting his chocolate product to viewers worldwide.
