Mexican authorities condemn viral content filmed at protected archaeological sites

YouTube’s most-subscribed content creator, MrBeast, has landed in hot water with Mexican authorities following the release of a video filmed at several federally protected archaeological sites, including the renowned Chichen Itza, Calakmul, and Balamcanche.

Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, published “I Survived 100 Hours in an Ancient Temple” on May 10, quickly amassing over 55 million views. The video shows Donaldson and his team exploring historic sites, swimming in cenotes, sampling Maya-style cuisine, and allegedly spending the night within a temple.

Access to restricted areas sparks outrage

“It’s unbelievable that the government is allowing us to do this. It’s truly crazy. Not even archaeologists are allowed in here,” MrBeast remarks in the controversial footage.

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The Temple of Kukulkan pyramid at Chichen Itza, known as El Castillo, is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world and holds immense cultural significance in Mexico’s Yucatan region.

The video has triggered widespread condemnation from the public, archaeological experts, and Mexican officials, who have expressed particular concern over the YouTuber’s access to areas typically restricted to visitors and considered sacred to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures.

Official response and allegations

The Culture Ministry in Mexico has announced its intention to impose sanctions and pursue legal action against the YouTuber for allegedly misrepresenting events and violating regulations governing the use of cultural heritage sites, according to local media reports.

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Several elements of the video drew specific criticism, including drone footage apparently revealing the interior of the temple atop El Castillo in Chichen Itza, scenes showing MrBeast arriving by helicopter at archaeological sites, and footage of him handling what appears to be a pre-Hispanic mask.

According to the Mexican Ministry of Culture, MrBeast will face penalties and legal action for allegedly fabricating events and misusing cultural heritage sites.

Conflicting statements about authorization

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), operating under Mexico’s Ministry of Culture, responded to the controversy by stating that the visit and recording were conducted in response to “formal requests.”

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In a public statement, INAH claimed their staff maintained a presence during filming to ensure site safety and adherence to preservation guidelines. The institute maintained that the filming complied with legal requirements but emphasized that several scenes—including the purported helicopter landing, drone flights inside the Kukulkan pyramid, and the use of an ancient mask—were fabricated in post-production.

On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged that the “broadcast” had been permitted but requested INAH to report “under what conditions this permit was granted.”

MrBeast currently boasts more than 394 million subscribers on YouTube, making him the platform’s most popular content creator worldwide.

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