MrBeast's video featuring Mayan temples in Mexico generated significant controversy, prompting reactions from the Mexican government and President Claudia Sheinbaum. The INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) initially stated that filming permits were obtained and that INAH personnel supervised recordings. However, INAH later criticized the video's post-production elements, including a scene depicting a helicopter landing and the handling of an ancient mask, claiming the video falsely portrayed events.
President Sheinbaum requested a report on the permit's conditions, suggesting sanctions if violations occurred. The INAH subsequently filed a lawsuit against Full Circle Media, MrBeast's production company, for disseminating false information and using archaeological sites for commercial purposes. The suit demands compensation for damages and a public retraction. MrBeast himself is not facing legal action.
A source close to MrBeast indicated that the video aimed to highlight Mayan sites and that no advertisement was filmed on INAH-overseen locations. The source expressed regret that the situation became political and hoped it would encourage tourism. INAH clarified that while open to collaboration, it would not tolerate actions detracting from the sites' value for commercial gain.
MrBeast's latest video has captured the attention of the Mexican government, and even President Claudia Sheinbaum has weighed in.
Earlier this week, the YouTube star — whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson — posted a video exploring several ancient Mayan temples, including Chichen Itza.
"Can't believe the government's letting us do this," the 27-year-old says in the video, after which he reiterates in a voiceover, "Not even archaeologists are allowed to go back here."
In the description of the video, which has 60 million views and counting, Donaldson wrote that the video was filmed "in collaboration with the Mexican Tourism Board," and he thanked the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a government agency that works to preserve Mexico's cultural heritage.
CNN reported there was initially controversy around Donaldson's access to the sites. On Monday, the INAH said in a statement that the necessary permits had been processed and that INAH personnel were supervising the recordings at all times.
The INAH added that the video seemed to involve extensive post-production work and allude to events that never occurred, including a helicopter descent onto one of the temples and the handling of an ancient mask.
On Wednesday, Sheinbaum spoke publicly about the video. CNN reported that she asked the INAH to report the conditions under which the production permit had been granted. If the permit was violated, she added, then sanctions must be determined.
On Thursday, the INAH said in a thread on X that it was bringing a lawsuit against a production company called Full Circle Media that worked with Donaldson on the video. Donaldson himself isn't facing any legal action.
The thread alludes to a moment near the end of the video, when Donaldson is enjoying a traditional Mayan feast. After dinner, he brings out a box of Feastables peanut butter cups for dessert, joking that it's the "only Mayan-approved snack on the planet."
The INAH on X said that while it is open to collaboration to disseminate Mexico's cultural heritage, it condemned those who detract from the value of archaeological sites for commercial gain.
It said the permit granted to Full Circle Media did not authorize the publication of false information or the use of the sites for advertising. The INAH is demanding compensation for damages and a public retraction.
Full Circle Media didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
"This video, similar to the one of the pyramids in Egypt, was meant to highlight these treasured Mayan sites in Mexico," a person close to MrBeast told Business Insider. "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."
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