Background on MrBeast and His Mexican Adventure
MrBeast, a popular American YouTuber known for his large-scale stunts and philanthropic endeavors, recently released a video titled “Sobreviví 100 horas en un templo antiguo” (Survived 100 hours in an ancient temple). The video has garnered over 50 million views on YouTube, showcasing MrBeast’s exploration of restricted areas in Mexican archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá and Calakmul.
Mexican Government’s Response
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, confirmed during her morning press conference that MrBeast had been granted permission by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) to access these archaeological zones. However, she emphasized that the INAH would review whether MrBeast adhered to the terms of the granted permission.
“If the permit was violated, then what sanctions are applicable,” Sheinbaum clarified. She also requested an report from the INAH regarding the incident.
Why Mexico Might Penalize MrBeast
Mexican law strictly regulates access to archaeological sites for preservation purposes. MrBeast’s video allegedly includes unauthorized activities such as flying a drone inside the Pyramid of Kukulkan, staying overnight in restricted areas like Chichén Itzá and Calakmul, and landing a helicopter on a pyramid. Although MrBeast claimed to have the support of both the Secretaría de Turismo and INAH, gaining permission to enter the Chichén Itzá pyramid, these actions are prohibited.
INAH and Secretaría de Cultura Announce Legal Actions
In response, both the Secretaría de Cultura and INAH’s legal department announced their intention to file a lawsuit against MrBeast for allegedly spreading false content and violating conservation regulations.
According to INAH, several scenes in the video are fabrications, including MrBeast’s descent via helicopter, overnight stays in archaeological zones, and the use of a pre-Hispanic mask. The institute stated that the video features extensive post-production and references non-existent events, with the mask being a contemporary reproduction.
Contradictions in INAH’s Stance
Initially, INAH stated that the filming adhered to formal requests from the Secretaría de Turismo and state authorities, following established protocols by their Coordinación Nacional de Asuntos Jurídicos.
However, while the Secretaría de Cultura confirmed they would file a complaint, they did not deny the existence of prior permissions, creating an apparent contradiction in the government’s position.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the controversy about? MrBeast’s video allegedly shows unauthorized access and activities in Mexican archaeological sites, such as Chichén Itzá and Calakmul.
- Why might MrBeast face penalties? Mexican law strictly regulates access to archaeological sites for preservation purposes. MrBeast’s video includes prohibited activities like flying a drone inside the Pyramid of Kukulkan, staying overnight in restricted areas, and landing a helicopter on a pyramid.
- What actions have the Mexican authorities taken? Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, confirmed that INAH would review whether MrBeast adhered to the terms of the granted permission. The Secretaría de Cultura and INAH’s legal department announced their intention to file a lawsuit against MrBeast for allegedly spreading false content and violating conservation regulations.
- What does INAH claim about the video? INAH asserts that the video contains fabricated elements and unauthorized situations, such as MrBeast’s entry into restricted sites in Balamcanché, Calakmul, and Chichén Itzá, along with dramatized events that never occurred.
