The Mexican government is taking legal action against famous YouTuber Mrbeast, claiming he breached the terms of his archaeological permits related to a Mayan pyramid by promoting his snack brand and profiting from “heritage belonging to all Mexicans.”
In a video titled “I explored an ancient temple from 2000 years ago,” which gained nearly 65 million views in just a week, Mrbeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, promoted his chocolate peanut butter cup snack, humorously dubbing it “the Mayan Desert Special Dessert” and claiming it as “the only Mayan-approved snack on earth.”
Mexican officials indicated that while Mrbeast was allowed to film at a site featuring the well-known Chichen Itza pyramid near Cancun, the agreement did not permit any commercial activities.
While filming, it seems there is a scene shot at an influencer’s campsite, but the video does not clarify the exact filming location.
The 27-year-old YouTuber has also been accused of spreading inaccuracies about Mayan culture.
“Essentially, public national heritage cannot be exploited by commercial enterprises,” stated the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History. They announced legal actions to seek damages and compensation for public withdrawal.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza expressed, “We do not agree with those who use the willingness of agencies to breach the terms of authorization.”
Despite this, the government’s reaction has drawn swift backlash from many Mexicans.
One Playa del Carmen resident remarked, “Continuing this farce to endorse YouTubers will only further damage the government’s credibility.” Another, Moyo Mendozo from Guadalajara, said, “What a way to shoot yourself in the foot. You have free publicity… your ego will get in the way.”
At one point in his video, after exploring one of the ancient pyramids, Donaldson expressed disbelief that the government allowed them access. He filmed in areas usually off-limits to other tourists, including Mexicans.
Mrbeast is currently recognized as a leading figure in the YouTube community, with an estimated net worth of $550 million in 2024, and boasts 395 million subscribers.
Representatives for Mrbeast refuted the allegations, telling the BBC, “No advertising material has been filmed in an archaeological location supervised by INAH.”
