Mexico wants compensation from the producers of a MrBeast video and accused the US YouYuber of exploiting its ancient pyramids for commercial gain.
The video “I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples” reveals the influencer, real name Jimmy Donaldson, 27-year old, and his team exploring ancient Mayan cities, with a permit.
However, in one section of the video produced by Full Circle Media, which has amassed above sixty (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 the go-ahead to film at the sites, they had not allowed for-profit use. A MrBeast representative denied some of the accusations.
On Wednesday, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, called for an investigation into the conditions under which the filming permit had been granted.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, said on Thursday that, although they had authorised the permit for MrBeast to film, they had never authorised the publication of false information or the use of heritage site images for trademark advertising.
Curiel de Icaza said: “We disapprove of any commercial pursuit that distorts the value of archaeological sites, which are a legacy of our indigenous cultures and the pride of our nation.”
