MrBeast Faces Backlash Over Video at Maya Ruins in Mexico

Content from MrBeast's recent video, showcasing Chichén Itzá, has ignited legal controversy as Mexican officials assess potential violations during filming.

YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has come under fire from Mexican authorities following the release of his latest video featuring a visit to the renowned ancient Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá. The video, titled “I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples,” has gone viral, amassing over 60 million views since its posting.

The Mexican Culture Secretary indicated that the government is contemplating legal action against the production team for what it perceives as breaches of established filming protocols at the historical site. The video includes provocative statements, such as, “Everything you guys are seeing now the Mayans didn’t want us to see,” along with visuals of MrBeast exploring the sacred ruins at night and even climbing a pyramid.

Chichén Itzá, located in the Yucatán Peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, drawing approximately two million visitors annually. While tourists are allowed to explore the historical structures, regulations prohibit activities like climbing the pyramids and remaining on-site after sunset.

In a moment of levity, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, promotes his Feastables brand by dubbing one of his snacks “the only Mayan-approved snack on the planet.” However, the lighthearted tone clashes with the cultural significance of the site, raising concerns among officials regarding the message being conveyed to the massive audience of viewers.

As the situation unfolds, comments and reactions continue to pour in from the community, highlighting the ongoing tensions between modern digital platforms and the preservation of historical heritage.