Mexico Seeks Compensation From MrBeast Over Mayan Pyramids Commercial Use

Mexico has accused YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, and the production company Full Circle Media of exploiting ancient Mayan pyramids for commercial gain in a video titled "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples," which has amassed over 60 million views. While the Mexican government granted a permit to film at archaeological sites such as Calakmul and Chichén Itzá, authorities claim the footage was improperly used to promote MrBeast's chocolate product as a "Mayan dessert," which was not authorized under the filming permit. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has filed an administrative complaint demanding financial compensation and a public retraction, alleging breaches of permit terms and unlawful commercial use of heritage sites. INAH further accused the video of containing staged or digitally altered scenes, including drone footage near sacred pyramids and handling of a pre-Hispanic mask, which they say misrepresent the sites. MrBeast's representatives deny filming promotional material on protected sites, stating the product promotion was filmed at a separate campsite and intended to raise cultural awareness, though Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an investigation into the permit's conditions and potential sanctions. The dispute highlights tensions between content creators' commercial interests and the protection of national cultural heritage.