Jimmy Donaldson, widely recognized as MrBeast, has found himself in the spotlight once again—this time due to a video shot in Mexico.
The world’s most-followed YouTuber, with a subscriber count nearly 100 million more than his closest competitor, shared a new video on May 10. In it, he explores several of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological landmarks. Among them is Chichén Itzá in Yucatán, featuring the famed Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
What is the controversy surrounding MrBeast in Mexico?
The controversy revolves around MrBeast being granted access to ancient Mexican archaeological sites that are typically off-limits due to their cultural and sacred importance.
At one point in the video, MrBeast expresses his surprise, stating, “I can’t believe the government is letting us do this. It’s truly crazy. Not even archaeologists are allowed in here.”
Following public backlash, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which operates under the Ministry of Culture, clarified that the visit and filming were authorized through official channels. However, the request didn’t come from MrBeast himself, but rather from Mexico’s federal Ministry of Tourism and the state governments of Yucatán and Campeche. MrBeast described the video as a “collaboration with the Mexican Ministry of Tourism” in its YouTube description.
President Claudia Sheinbaum later commented that the broadcast had proper permits, but she has asked INAH to disclose the exact terms under which those permits were issued. She also emphasized that if any conditions were breached, corresponding penalties should be considered.
Some scenes in the video have sparked additional debate, including a drone shot that seems to show the inside of the El Castillo temple at Chichén Itzá. INAH refuted this, stating the footage was captured from outside the structure.
Other scenes show MrBeast arriving by helicopter and handling what appears to be an ancient mask. INAH responded by saying these portrayals are misleading. According to the agency, no helicopters landed at the sites, no overnight stays occurred, and the mask shown was a modern replica. They concluded that these elements were dramatized in post-production and don’t reflect what actually took place during the filming.
How easy is it to apply for permits? Is it true that not even archaeologists can enter, as MrBeast claims?
Accessing, filming, and publicly sharing content from archaeological zones in Mexico is a highly regulated activity, limited to a select few with proper authorization.
According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), MrBeast’s visit to various historical sites was conducted under supervision by institute staff. Although most of the filming took place in general visitor areas, the team was also allowed into a restricted section of Calakmul, specifically a part of Structure II. While this area is typically closed to the public, access is occasionally granted for educational or community-related visits through prior arrangement and justification.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has requested clarification from INAH regarding the specifics of the permit granted for MrBeast’s video project. As of now, the full scope of what was authorized remains unclear.
Mexican law tightly controls who may carry out archaeological exploration. In response to a public information request in September 2024, Chichén Itzá site director José Francisco Javier Osorio León referenced federal law, which states that only INAH or accredited academic institutions with proper credentials can conduct any form of archaeological work. Article 31 of this law also mandates that any permit must outline strict terms and conditions, along with the responsibilities of those involved.
While details of MrBeast’s authorization remain undisclosed, INAH acknowledged in a statement that although the video contains “misleading” representations, it might still generate global interest among younger audiences in learning about Mexico’s ancient civilizations and visiting its heritage sites.
However, Federal Culture Secretary Claudia Curiel de Icaza expressed disapproval over how MrBeast and his team used the locations, emphasizing that such actions go against the intended purpose of these protected areas.
“This is not the first time such incidents have occurred, and our position is clear,” Curiel de Icaza said at a recent cultural event. “We do not support these actions, and appropriate consequences will follow because these places must be respected.
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