In recent developments, Mexican authorities have launched a review concerning a viral video produced by YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, showcasing footage taken at the iconic Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá. The clip, titled “I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples,” quickly attracted over 60 million views following its release, leading to significant scrutiny regarding compliance with visitor regulations at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Officials from Mexico's culture ministry declared that they are evaluating potential legal measures against the production company involved, citing concerns that the filming seemed to breach operational agreements. The 15-minute clip features MrBeast making statements that suggest a disregard for established rules at the site, including access restrictions that prohibit nighttime exploration and climbing on sacred structures.
In the video, MrBeast enthuses, “Everything you guys are seeing now the Mayans didn’t want us to see. Nobody gets to go where we’re going,” as he showcases his nighttime expedition through the historic ruins of the ancient city. Audience reactions have been mixed, with some viewers enthralled by the adventure while others express outrage over the apparent transgressions against the site's protections.
As part of the footage, MrBeast is seen engaging in inappropriate behaviors, such as climbing a pyramid and jokingly referencing himself as a "dog" ascending the steps. Toward the end of the video, he introduces snacks under his Feastables brand, dubbing them “the only Mayan-approved snack on the planet,” further igniting discontent regarding cultural sensitivity surrounding the site's historical significance.
Chichén Itzá, with structures that date back over 1,000 years, attracts millions of visitors annually and holds deep cultural and historical relevance for the Maya people. As scrutiny over the video grows, many advocate for a balanced representation of indigenous heritage, urging influencers to respect cultural boundaries and regulations in their content creation.
Officials from Mexico's culture ministry declared that they are evaluating potential legal measures against the production company involved, citing concerns that the filming seemed to breach operational agreements. The 15-minute clip features MrBeast making statements that suggest a disregard for established rules at the site, including access restrictions that prohibit nighttime exploration and climbing on sacred structures.
In the video, MrBeast enthuses, “Everything you guys are seeing now the Mayans didn’t want us to see. Nobody gets to go where we’re going,” as he showcases his nighttime expedition through the historic ruins of the ancient city. Audience reactions have been mixed, with some viewers enthralled by the adventure while others express outrage over the apparent transgressions against the site's protections.
As part of the footage, MrBeast is seen engaging in inappropriate behaviors, such as climbing a pyramid and jokingly referencing himself as a "dog" ascending the steps. Toward the end of the video, he introduces snacks under his Feastables brand, dubbing them “the only Mayan-approved snack on the planet,” further igniting discontent regarding cultural sensitivity surrounding the site's historical significance.
Chichén Itzá, with structures that date back over 1,000 years, attracts millions of visitors annually and holds deep cultural and historical relevance for the Maya people. As scrutiny over the video grows, many advocate for a balanced representation of indigenous heritage, urging influencers to respect cultural boundaries and regulations in their content creation.
