Considered one of the biggest YouTubers in the world, MrBeast clashed with the Mexican government after publishing a video where he explores historical sites like Calakmul and Chichén Itzá, ancient cities of the Maya civilization.
James Stephen Donaldson, known as MrBeast, was accused by the Mexican government of violating rules at the Maya temples of Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. The YouTuber recorded a video about his controversial exploration.
Titled “I explored 2,000-year-old temples,” the post has already been viewed more than 70 million times.
The YouTuber filmed himself promoting snacks from his brands and a chocolate he said was “approved by the Mayans.”
+Watch MrBeast’s video
Additionally, there are moments in the video where MrBeast appears in areas that are supposed to be restricted to the public, which caused even more controversy.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), responsible for protecting Mexico’s historical heritage, is evaluating sanctions against the production company linked to the influencer, Full Circle Media.
Mexico’s Minister of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, stated in a post on X that the production company violated the terms of the license by publishing “false information,” as well as using Mexican heritage for advertising.
“That is why INAH is considering administrative sanctions against this production company, demanding compensation for damages,” Claudia wrote.
INAH said in a statement that the filming was accompanied by representatives from the agency and that the produced material underwent “extensive audiovisual post-production.”
Sobre el patrimonio de todas y todos los mexicanos informo lo siguiente:
La Secretaría de Cultura a mi cargo y el @INAHmx siempre estarán abiertos a las propuestas audiovisuales que contribuyan al conocimiento y la difusión del patrimonio arqueológico y cultural de México.… pic.twitter.com/DX0k7PRCQU
— Claudia Curiel de Icaza (@ccurieldeicaza) May 15, 2025
Photos: YouTube MrBeast. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
