Mrbeast's controversial Maya video: Ministry of Culture raises the alarm!

Mrbeast's controversial Maya video: Ministry of Culture raises the alarm!

Chichén Itzá, Mexiko - mrbeast, bourgeois Jimmy Donaldson, has caused a sensation again by shooting a video in the archaeological sites of the Maya in Mexico. Today, on May 16, 2025, voices became aloud that question his practices and compliance with the permits during the shoot. In his video with the title "I explore 2000 year old temple", which was published on May 10th and has already recorded over 58 million views, Mexico's cultural authorities criticize the supposed commercial exploitation of cultural sites.

The Ministry of Culture Mexico has officially requested compensation because Mrbeast did not apparently not comply with the conditions of the approvals granted. Minister of Culture Claudia Curiel emphasized that her ministry is fundamentally open to audiovisual projects that promote the cultural heritage of Mexico, but does not tolerate any commercial exploitation. She pointed out that Mrbeast used the video for advertising for modern peanut butter delicacies during an alleged Maya dinner in the rainforest.

approval and recognizable problems

A visit to Mrbeast in places such as Chichén Itzá and Calakmul was approved by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (Inah). According to the Inah, the approval included filming in significant sites, but under the supervision of experts. However, the Ministry of Culture has complained that it received access to areas that are usually inaccessible to the public. This led to violent criticism on social media, which was driven by the review of the Inah.

According to an explanation of the Inah, there was always an supervision during the filming to ensure that the protection of the archaeological heritage was maintained. But the claims in the video were also questioned; Some scenes were exposed as exaggerated or not correctly. Among other things, the idea was rejected that a drone had explored the interior of the Kukulcán temple - it actually only flew outside the temple.

response and further steps

Despite the problem, there are also voices that support MRBeast. The governor of Campeche, Layda Sansores, defended him and thanked him for his contribution to the spread and appreciation of Maya culture, even if there are concerns about the cultural heritage. The Inah has also made it clear that some of the claims pronounced in the video, such as the presentation of a Maya mask as authentic, were classified as a fake.

The Mexican authorities are determined to protect the cultural heritage and to proceed against cultural appropriation. It remains to be seen how the situation develops and whether there is an agreement between the Ministry of Culture and the production company from MRBeast. Measures to make amends could take place in the form of projects for protection and conservation of the cultural heritage instead of fines.