Mexico has accused YouTuber MrBeast of exploiting a filming permit for commercial enrichment while showcasing ancient Mayan pyramids. The influencer's promotional content has raised concerns of misinformation and a breach of the agreement made with local authorities.
Mexico Challenges MrBeast Over Mayan Pyramid Filming Permit Violations
Mexico Challenges MrBeast Over Mayan Pyramid Filming Permit Violations
Authorities demand accountability from the popular YouTuber for allegedly misusing filming permits at significant historical sites.
In a growing controversy, Mexican authorities have accused renowned YouTuber MrBeast of misusing a filming permit at archaeological sites in the country for commercial purposes. The allegations arise from MrBeast's recent viral video, "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples," which has garnered over 60 million views in just a week. Although MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, obtained the necessary permissions to film, Mexico's government contends that he exceeded the authorization by promoting his chocolate product as a "Mayan dessert" during the video.
The film promotion has not sat well with local officials, who assert that while MrBeast was allowed to film, he was not granted permission to utilize the footage for profit. A representative for MrBeast has disputed these claims, stating that no promotional material was recorded at any sites managed by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). They clarified that the pivotal scene featuring the chocolate treat was filmed at an unrelated camping site, emphasizing that the video was aimed at celebrating Mexico's rich heritage rather than exploiting it.
This issue escalated with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing an inquiry into the permit's issuance. MrBeast explicitly thanked local tourism officials in his video's caption while also including links to his product. Investigative concerns have arisen due to MrBeast's claims of gaining access to restricted areas in significant Mayan sites such as Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. INAH has vehemently rejected these claims, classifying them as distortions fostered by MrBeast's presentation.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico's Secretary of Culture, stated that although filming was sanctioned, the spreading of incorrect information and commercial exploitation of heritage sites was unacceptable. The agency is contemplating administrative repercussions for Full Circle Media, the production company responsible for MrBeast's shoot.
As the unsettling saga unfolds, MrBeast remains a dominant figure on social media, boasting an impressive 395 million followers on platforms like YouTube. His endeavor to explore Mayan pyramids has transformed a simple content creation venture into a contentious dialogue on cultural heritage and commercial responsibility.
The film promotion has not sat well with local officials, who assert that while MrBeast was allowed to film, he was not granted permission to utilize the footage for profit. A representative for MrBeast has disputed these claims, stating that no promotional material was recorded at any sites managed by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). They clarified that the pivotal scene featuring the chocolate treat was filmed at an unrelated camping site, emphasizing that the video was aimed at celebrating Mexico's rich heritage rather than exploiting it.
This issue escalated with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing an inquiry into the permit's issuance. MrBeast explicitly thanked local tourism officials in his video's caption while also including links to his product. Investigative concerns have arisen due to MrBeast's claims of gaining access to restricted areas in significant Mayan sites such as Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. INAH has vehemently rejected these claims, classifying them as distortions fostered by MrBeast's presentation.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico's Secretary of Culture, stated that although filming was sanctioned, the spreading of incorrect information and commercial exploitation of heritage sites was unacceptable. The agency is contemplating administrative repercussions for Full Circle Media, the production company responsible for MrBeast's shoot.
As the unsettling saga unfolds, MrBeast remains a dominant figure on social media, boasting an impressive 395 million followers on platforms like YouTube. His endeavor to explore Mayan pyramids has transformed a simple content creation venture into a contentious dialogue on cultural heritage and commercial responsibility.
