The Mexican government is demanding compensation and a public apology from YouTube megastar MrBeast and his production company after he filmed and promoted a chocolate brand at the country’s ancient Maya ruins without proper authorization.
The video, titled “I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples,” was uploaded to MrBeast’s YouTube channel on May 10 and has already garnered more than 60 million views. In the video, the influencer, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, visits prominent archaeological sites including Calakmul and Chichén Itzá in southeastern Mexico.
A line in the video, where MrBeast remarks, “I can’t believe the government’s letting us do this,” has sparked widespread backlash, particularly among Mexicans who are typically barred from accessing the same restricted areas. The footage shows the YouTuber entering sacred spaces and historic structures generally off-limits to the public.
Mexico’s newly sworn-in President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has since called for clarification on how MrBeast’s team was granted such privileged access. The situation escalated after the video was found to feature product placements for MrBeast’s own snack line, including references such as “Mayan-approved” a move that has drawn official ire.
The National Institute of Archaeology and History (INAH) released a strongly worded statement, accusing MrBeast’s production company, Full Circle Media, of violating the terms of their filming permit.
“While we are pleased that YouTubers and young people around the world value our indigenous civilizations, we strongly condemn those who take advantage,” the Institute said via social media.
According to INAH, the permit did not authorize “the use of the image of the archaeological sites for the advertising of commercial brands for private profit.” The agency has formally demanded financial compensation for damages and a public retraction from MrBeast’s team.
In Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state where Chichén Itzá is located, local residents have voiced frustration over the perceived double standard. Tour guide Jose Elias Aguayo, 53, remarked, “Restrictions and regulations should apply to everyone: domestic tourists, foreign visitors, as well as us locals.”
As of press time, MrBeast and Full Circle Media have not issued a public response to the allegations or demands.
