A video featuring popular YouTube celebrity MrBeast exploring ancient Maya ruins in Mexico has sparked outrage among local residents and officials. The video, which has been viewed over 60 million times, was filmed at the Calakmul and Chichén Itzá sites without permission from the authorities.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has requested clarification on the conditions under which MrBeast gained access to the restricted areas. A permit issued by production company Full Circle Media for the video did not authorize the use of images for advertising commercial brands for private profit.
The National Institute of Archaeology and History condemned the unauthorized use of the sites, calling it “a serious breach” that should be addressed. Mexico is demanding compensation for damages and a public retraction from MrBeast’s production company. Local residents in Mérida, where Chichén Itzá is located, have expressed disapproval of the access given to the YouTuber, stating that restrictions and regulations should apply to everyone, regardless of nationality or residency status.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/16/mexico-demands-compensation-from-youtube-star-mrbeast-after-pyramid-chocolate-video