MEXICO - Mexico is seeking compensation from the producers of a MrBeast video and has accused the US YouTuber of exploiting its ancient pyramids for commercial gain.
The video "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples" shows the influencer, real name Jimmy Donaldson, 27, and his team exploring ancient Mayan cities, with a permit.
But in one part of the video produced by Full Circle Media, which has received more than 60 million views in a week, MrBeast advertises a chocolate product as a "Mayan dessert" and urges viewers to buy it.Authorities said that while they had granted permission to film at the sites, they had not permitted for-profit use. A MrBeast representative denied some of the accusations. The spokesperson told the BBC: "No advertisement material was shot on any archaeological sites overseen by INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History)."
In the video, the scene promoting the chocolate snack appears to be filmed at the influencer's camping site. The spokesperson also said the video was "meant to highlight these treasured Mayan sites in Mexico" and that it was "unfortunate that this has turned into a political issue - hopefully it can lead to a productive dialogue and encourages people to visit these unique historical treasures". Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday called for an investigation into the conditions under which the filming permit had been granted. In the video's caption, MrBeast thanks Mexican tourism and government authorities for permission to film in the sites, while also plugging links to his chocolate product.
The video shows him and his team exploring areas of restricted access in the Mayan cities of Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. At one point he says "I can't believe the government's letting us do this." (BBC)