MrBeast addresses backlash over Mexico vlog, says filming followed all rules

India Today

20-05-2025

YouTuber MrBeast reacted to the backlash over his recent video shot in ancient Mayan sites, saying he followed all protocols and had official permission during filming.Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, responded to the controversy surrounding his video titled 'I Survived 100 Hours in an Ancient Temple', which premiered on 10 May. The video showed him and his team exploring archaeological locations in Southeastern Mexico, swimming in cenotes, dining on Maya-style cuisine, and spending a night inside a temple.advertisement
While the video garnered millions of views shortly after its release, it also drew strong criticism from Mexican officials and archaeologists. Several social media users also accused the content creator of using Mexico's cultural heritage for profit. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) clarified that while it had permitted filming, it had not approved the monetisation of the content or the use of the sites to promote MrBeast's brand.Over the weekend, MrBeast issued a statement denying the accusations. He said the goal of the video was to raise global interest in Mexican and Mayan culture.'I've seen a lot of stories about our recent video in Mexico and wanted to clear some false things being said,' MrBeast wrote in a post on X, adding, 'Me and my team have great respect for the Mexican and Mayan culture and people. We are not and have never been sued by them lol. That is false and it saddens me to see people spreading lies.'advertisementHe clarified that the team operated with full permits, had officials and archaeologists on-site throughout the filming, and respected all rules. He even shared a screenshot of a message from the state governor supporting the production.'They were aware of us mentioning Feastables in the video but for respect of the sites, it was filmed off site from any national monuments,' he explained. 'The dinner scene where I made the Feastables joke was not near any Mayan temples.'MrBeast also revealed that his team helped fund wells and water projects in the region. He mentioned working with INAH to support local archaeological work. 'We also never planned on sharing this, but as always my hand is forced by false headlines,' he added.The YouTuber expressed disappointment at how the story was presented online. 'I hope to go back someday and continue to share how awesome the culture is with the world, sad to see this get distorted.'Take a look at the post here: Officials, however, remained firm. Mexico's Ministry of Culture said it would look into sanctions and potential legal action. The minister even said that cultural heritage must not be used for commercial promotion.INAH clarified that it had issued formal approval for the visit and had officials on-site to supervise. It also confirmed that the filming complied with regulations. However, it said that certain scenes, such as a helicopter landing and drone activity inside the Kukulkan pyramid, appeared to be fabricated in post-production.advertisementPresident Claudia Sheinbaum said the broadcast was authorised but asked the agency to clarify the terms of the permit.MrBeast maintained that he intended to honour and promote Mexican heritage, not exploit it.Trending Reel