Mrbeast appears to be clearly violating the terms of elite, unique permission to access ancient Mexican sites. Photo: Billy F Blume Jr/Shutterstock
Mexican authorities are extremely limited when it comes to accessing ancient Aztec, Mayan and other archaeological sites. Since COVID, pyramids have been standardized and accessed them.
However, as typical of Mexican marincismo (a term used by locals who give priority to foreigners), Mrbeast was granted free access not only to the pyramid itself, but also to the permission to enter the area millions of Mexicans have never seen.
“I can’t believe the government has let us do this,” he said. “No one can go where we go,” he said in one of the pyramids. He can’t believe it, and no other Mexicans can. Obviously, his exclusive access prompted criticism from several users who complained that Mrbeast was in an area he had rarely visited before.
Mrbeast is privileged and allowed to have cameras and lighting equipment. This isn’t a big no for the rest of the people visiting those breathtaking archaeological sites.
Mrbeast’s feast causes side effects
Now, the National Institute of Archaeological and History of Mexico (INAH) is upset that Mrbeast is using a trip to ancient Mayan cities to promote chocolate snacks. His video He promotes the snacks as a chocolate-covered “special Mayan dessert, a brand new feast peanut butter cup.”
The video of a social media celebrity visiting Mayan ruins has been viewed around 613 million times on YouTube, with 395 million subscribers since May 10th. In a video titled “I explored an ancient temple two thousand years ago,” the influencer explores ancient Mayan cities in southeastern Mexico, including Karakumur and Chichen Itza.
On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sinbaum asked YouTubers to investigate exclusive access and reasons under conditions, as if she didn’t know.
“I’m happy,” but not
INAH said Mexico is “rejoiced that YouTubers and all young people around the world appreciate the value of Indigenous civilization,” but added that “we strongly condemn those who use it.”
The permission issued to Mrbeasts’ production company, Full Circle Media, does not consider the permission to “use the image of archaeological sites for advertising commercial brands for private interest.”
Mexico “requires compensation for damages and public withdrawal for violations of the terms,” INAH said.
In Merida, the capital of Yucatan province where Chichen Itza is located, several residents have expressed disapproval of the access granted to YouTubers.
“Restrictions and regulations should apply to everyone, including domestic tourists, foreign visitors, and locals in the US,” said tour guide Jose Elias Aguayo, 53.
