MrBeast faces backlash from Mexican officials over an alleged breach of filming permit regulations while promoting a chocolate product at ancient Mayan pyramids, sparking a cultural heritage debate.
Mexican Authorities Accuse MrBeast of Misusing Filming Permit at Ancient Pyramids
Mexican Authorities Accuse MrBeast of Misusing Filming Permit at Ancient Pyramids
Controversy surrounds MrBeast’s recent YouTube venture in Mexico after complaints of violating permit terms for filming at archaeological sites.
The article text:
Mexican authorities have raised objections against US YouTuber MrBeast, alleging exploitation of the country's ancient Mayan pyramids after filming a viral video. The video, titled "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples," features MrBeast and his crew exploring significant archaeological sites, which were captured under a permit obtained from local authorities.
However, the controversy erupted when MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, advertised his chocolate snack in the video as a "Mayan dessert," encouraging viewers to purchase it. Authorities assert that while they permitted filming at these sites, commercial use was never authorized. A spokesperson for MrBeast has stated that no promotional material was filmed at recognized archaeological locations overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
This representative explained that the scenes promoting the product were recorded at a separate camping location. They emphasized the intent behind the video was to showcase Mexico's rich Mayan heritage rather than profit from it. The spokesperson noted the unfortunate turn of events into a political discourse but hopes it may foster a constructive dialogue about appreciating these historical treasures.
In reaction to the video, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an investigation into the details surrounding MrBeast’s filming permit. In the video, MrBeast expresses gratitude towards Mexican tourism and government officials for granting filming access, alongside revealing links to purchase his chocolate product.
Content of the video includes MrBeast and his team accessing restricted areas within the Mayan sites of Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. During an inspection, he remarks on the rarity of their access, stating, "I can't believe the government's letting us do this." However, officials have contended that MrBeast portrayed misinformation, emphasizing that he never came into contact with authentic pre-Hispanic artifacts from the area.
INAH responded, claiming that the video contains significant post-production alterations, such as scenes involving a helicopter, criticizing the video as misleading. Mexico's Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, affirmed that while the video had been approved for historical appreciation, it never permitted the dissemination of inaccurate information or commercial exploitation.
Curiel de Icaza reiterated the government's commitment to protecting Mexico's archaeological sites, seeing them as crucial elements of the nation’s heritage. She indicated that administrative sanctions could be forthcoming for Full Circle Media, the production company responsible for the video. The BBC has reached out to inquire about their comments.
MrBeast remains one of the most prominent figures on YouTube, boasting 395 million subscribers. His video centered on the Mayan pyramids was released on May 10.
Mexican authorities have raised objections against US YouTuber MrBeast, alleging exploitation of the country's ancient Mayan pyramids after filming a viral video. The video, titled "I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples," features MrBeast and his crew exploring significant archaeological sites, which were captured under a permit obtained from local authorities.
However, the controversy erupted when MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, advertised his chocolate snack in the video as a "Mayan dessert," encouraging viewers to purchase it. Authorities assert that while they permitted filming at these sites, commercial use was never authorized. A spokesperson for MrBeast has stated that no promotional material was filmed at recognized archaeological locations overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
This representative explained that the scenes promoting the product were recorded at a separate camping location. They emphasized the intent behind the video was to showcase Mexico's rich Mayan heritage rather than profit from it. The spokesperson noted the unfortunate turn of events into a political discourse but hopes it may foster a constructive dialogue about appreciating these historical treasures.
In reaction to the video, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an investigation into the details surrounding MrBeast’s filming permit. In the video, MrBeast expresses gratitude towards Mexican tourism and government officials for granting filming access, alongside revealing links to purchase his chocolate product.
Content of the video includes MrBeast and his team accessing restricted areas within the Mayan sites of Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. During an inspection, he remarks on the rarity of their access, stating, "I can't believe the government's letting us do this." However, officials have contended that MrBeast portrayed misinformation, emphasizing that he never came into contact with authentic pre-Hispanic artifacts from the area.
INAH responded, claiming that the video contains significant post-production alterations, such as scenes involving a helicopter, criticizing the video as misleading. Mexico's Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, affirmed that while the video had been approved for historical appreciation, it never permitted the dissemination of inaccurate information or commercial exploitation.
Curiel de Icaza reiterated the government's commitment to protecting Mexico's archaeological sites, seeing them as crucial elements of the nation’s heritage. She indicated that administrative sanctions could be forthcoming for Full Circle Media, the production company responsible for the video. The BBC has reached out to inquire about their comments.
MrBeast remains one of the most prominent figures on YouTube, boasting 395 million subscribers. His video centered on the Mayan pyramids was released on May 10.
