Mexico is suing internet sensation MrBeast after his 60-million-view video at ancient Mayan ruins allegedly crossed the line from education to unauthorized commercial promotion of his chocolate brand.
At a Glance
- Mexico’s government is suing MrBeast’s production company for using Mayan archaeological sites to advertise his Feastables chocolate
- The YouTuber’s video exploring 2,000-year-old temples has amassed approximately 60 million views since May 10
- Officials claim MrBeast violated permit conditions by accessing restricted areas and using cultural heritage for commercial gain
- MrBeast’s team denies filming advertisement material at the sites, stating the video aimed to highlight Mexico’s treasured Mayan heritage
Government Claims YouTuber Exploited National Heritage
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History has filed a lawsuit against the production company behind YouTube star MrBeast’s latest video featuring ancient Mayan ruins. The controversial video, titled “I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples,” shows the content creator, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, visiting important archaeological sites including Calakmul and Chichén Itzá while promoting his Feastables chocolate brand, which he describes as a “Mayan dessert.”
The government claims that while Full Circle Media obtained permits for filming at these locations, the authorization did not extend to commercial use of Mexico’s archaeological treasures. President Claudia Sheinbaum has personally requested clarification about how MrBeast’s team gained such extensive access to these protected sites. With 395 million YouTube subscribers and an estimated net worth of $550 million, MrBeast is the platform’s most-followed individual creator.
Disputed Scenes and Special Access
Mexican authorities have taken particular issue with several aspects of the video, including scenes showing MrBeast in restricted areas not accessible to regular tourists. Officials claim the video contains fabricated scenarios, such as the YouTuber descending into a pyramid from a helicopter. The National Institute of Anthropology and History stated that MrBeast never actually held a genuine pre-Hispanic mask, accusing the production of misleading editing techniques.
“I can’t believe the government’s letting us do this,” MrBeast says in the video, a comment that has further inflamed tensions with Mexican cultural authorities.
In their official statement, INAH denounced these portrayals as “false assertions that obey the theatricality of the YouTuber in question.” The agency emphasized that such misrepresentations diminish the cultural significance of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. Authorities may now consider administrative sanctions against Full Circle Media for allegedly violating the terms of their filming permit.
MrBeast Team Denies Wrongdoing
Representatives for MrBeast have strongly denied the allegations, insisting they adhered to all permit requirements. “No advertisement material was shot on any archaeological sites overseen by INAH,” a spokesperson stated in response to the controversy. The team maintains that the video’s primary purpose was educational rather than commercial, despite the chocolate promotions that appear throughout the content.
“This video was meant to highlight these treasured Mayan sites in Mexico,” a spokesperson for MrBeast said in defense of the production.
The dispute has sparked a broader debate among Mexican citizens about how the country manages access to its archaeological treasures. While many support the government’s defense of cultural heritage, others question why officials granted such privileged access in the first place. Local resident Jose Elias Aguayo noted, “Restrictions and regulations should apply to everyone: domestic tourists, foreign visitors, as well as us locals.”
Commercial Use of Cultural Heritage
Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, has taken a firm stance against what she perceives as the exploitation of national treasures. “We disagree with those who take advantage of the willingness of institutions to violate the terms of the authorizations granted,” she stated. The government’s position reflects growing concerns about the commercialization of archaeological sites that hold deep cultural significance.
“The nation’s heritage, which is public by nature, cannot be exploited by commercial enterprises,” declared Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History in their formal complaint against the production.
As the legal challenge unfolds, it highlights the tensions between modern social media entertainment, commercial interests, and the preservation of historical sites. For Mexico, the case represents an opportunity to establish clearer boundaries regarding the use of national heritage in digital content. For content creators, it serves as a reminder that even international internet celebrities must navigate complex regulations when filming at culturally significant locations.