A spokesperson for MrBeast has told Newsweek it is "unfortunate" that a video in which he explores ancient Mexican pyramids has become a "political issue."
The video was criticized by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which said that they had given MrBeast permission to film at the sites, but not to monetize the content or use it to advertise his products.
Why It Matters
MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, is the world's most popular YouTuber, with 396 million subscribers on the platform as of reporting. On May 10, MrBeast uploaded a video titled "I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples," where he explored ancient Mayan cities including Calakmul and Chichén Itzá in southeastern Mexico.
After its release, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum requested clarifications on the conditions under which the permissions for the video were granted. Following this, the INAH shared an official complaint.
What To Know
The spokesperson for MrBeast said that it is "unfortunate that this has turned into a political issue."
"This video, similar to the one of the pyramids in Egypt, was meant to highlight these treasured Mayan sites in Mexico."
"No advertisement material was shot on any archaeological sites overseen by INAH so it is unfortunate that this has turned into a political issue. Hopefully it can lead to a productive dialogue and encourages people to visit these unique historical treasures."
MrBeast wrote on X that he and his team "have great respect for the Mexican and Mayan culture and people."
The complaint from the INAH said that though the institution was pleased by the interests of YouTubers and young people, they "strongly condemn" those who "take advantage of the good disposition of the institutions to violate the terms of the authorizations granted."
They said that they were launching an "administrative lawsuit, against Full Circle Media, a firm they say worked with MrBeast. They said the permit issued to Full Circle Media, which they said is representative of MrBeast, "did not authorize the publication of false information or the use of the image of archaeological sites for private profit commercials."
MrBeast also addressed the video in a post on X, where he said that his team had "filmed with full permits, followed guidelines, had representatives from government agencies following us, Mexican archaeologists to make sure we were accurate, AND representatives from the sites to ensure we were following the rules."
The post which has been viewed 2.5 million times as of reporting, continued, "We are not and have never been sued by them lol. That is false and it saddens me to see people spreading lies." He added, "They were aware of us mentioning Feastables in the video but for respect of the sites, it was filmed off site from any national monuments. The dinner scene where I made the Feastables joke was not near any mayan temples."
The 27-year-old also said that "behind the scenes we funded wells and water projects in the state, I've also been working with INAH on a fund to support local Mexican archaeology and new discoveries."
What People Are Saying
MrBeast, in a post on X: "I've seen a lot of stories about our recent video in Mexico and wanted to clear some false things being said. Me and my team have great respect for the Mexican and Mayan culture and people. We did this video to get people all over the world excited to learn more about their culture, much like we did with our Pyramids video."
Layda Sansores, the Governor of Campeche on X: "We are deeply grateful to @MrBeast for visiting Calakmul and sharing the grandeur of our Mayan culture with the world … MrBeast's team acted at all times with utmost responsibility and respect toward our ancestral heritage."
The National Institute of Archaeology and History in statement shared with Newsweek: "The company was notified of the administrative legal proceeding against the legal entity Full Circle Media S.A. de C.V., due to violation of the terms of the permit for the production of a documentary video called "Mr. Beast, I spent 100 hours exploring the Mayan jungle," to be filmed in the archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá, Calakmul, Becán, and Chicanná, on May 14 of this year, in accordance with the powers conferred on the INAH by the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Monuments and Sites, and its Regulations, as well as within the framework of the Presidential Agreement that establishes the bases for safeguarding cultural assets and prohibits their private use."
What's Next
MrBeast wrote in his post to X, "I hope to go back someday and continue to share how awesome the culture is with the world."
The INAH said in a statement shared with Newsweek: "We reiterate that this matter will be resolved through the appropriate legal-administrative bodies, of which we will be informing the general public."
Update 05.21.25 05:50 AM ET: This article has been updated with comment from INAH.
