In a controversial twist, TikToker MrBeast (born Jimmy Donaldson) finds himself at the center of a brewing dispute with Mexican authorities regarding his recent YouTube video titled "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples." The video features MrBeast and his crew navigating historic Mayan sites, touting their impressive heritage for millions of viewers—over 60 million have watched it within a week. However, a promotional segment showcasing his chocolate brand as a "Mayan dessert" has raised eyebrows among officials.
Authorities stated that while MrBeast had secured a permit to film at these archaeological locations, the usage of the footage for profit, particularly in advertising, was outside the scope of what was authorized. In response to the allegations, a representative for MrBeast argued that no promotional content was filmed at the sites regulated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The spokesperson insisted that the promotional scene was recorded at a different location—a notion supported by the influencer's overarching intent to celebrate Mexico’s rich Mayan heritage.
Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has since called for a probe into the circumstances surrounding the filming permit. Interestingly, MrBeast expressed gratitude in the video's caption to both tourism and government agencies for granting him access to the locations. Nonetheless, heritage authorities condemned this commercial exploitation, arguing it distorts the true cultural significance of these archaeological sites.
Notably, the video features MrBeast engaging in activities that raised alarms among cultural custodians, including what appears to be an unauthorized descent into a pyramid and handling a pre-Hispanic artifact. INAH was quick to clarify that MrBeast had never been in actual possession of a genuine artifact and suggested that extensive editing created misleading portrayals.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Secretary of Culture, articulated the government’s stance, stating that while they encourage the promotion of Mexico's archaeological heritage, they are firmly against leveraging historic sites for commercial gain. She hinted at potential sanctions against Full Circle Media, the company behind the filming permit.
With MrBeast being the most followed individual on YouTube, boasting around 395 million subscribers, this incident has raised significant attention. The broader question now looms: how will this conflict impact not only MrBeast’s brand but also the relationship between content creators and cultural preservation authorities? The world watches closely as this situation unfolds.
