When Influencers Meet Antiquity: "Mr Beast" Sparks Debate Over Access to Mexico's Sacred Sites

           Jimmy Donaldson - "MrBeast" (Msn)          

US YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson ("MrBeast"), has stirred controversy after publishing a video in which he visited some of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites including shots from restricted areas considered sacred to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures (Isabel Dempsey, 'YouTuber MrBeast sparks outrage by filming at Mexico’s archaeological sites' independent 16 May 2025). The controversy stems from the unprecedented level of access granted to Donaldson and his team. In the video, which has already garnered over 60 million views since its release on May 10, the content creator is seen entering restricted areas of pre-Hispanic heritage sites, some of which are typically off-limits to the public—and even to professional archaeologists.

At one point in the footage, MrBeast exclaims, “I can’t believe the government is letting us do this. It’s truly crazy. Not even archaeologists are allowed in here”. Among the more contentious moments is what appears to be a drone shot taken from within the sacred structure of El Castillo at Chichén Itzá as well as footage suggesting a helicopter landing near a site and Donaldson handling what seems to be an ancient ceremonial mask.

In response, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which operates under the country’s Ministry of Culture, clarified that the visit was authorized through formal channels. According to their statement, all filming was carried out with official permission, and in collaboration with the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. It was later revealed that the request for access did not come directly from MrBeast but through federal tourism authorities.

Even President Claudia Sheinbaum weighed in on the matter, stating on May 14 that while a permit had indeed been granted for the filming, she had requested an internal review of the conditions under which it was issued. “If the terms were violated,” she said, “then the appropriate sanctions should be considered.”

To address specific claims, INAH has denied that any drone flew within protected structures, asserting instead that shots appearing to be taken from inside were likely achieved through post-production techniques. The organization also dismissed suggestions that MrBeast landed at the sites via helicopter or handled an authentic pre-Hispanic artifact, stating that the mask shown in the video was a modern replica.

Despite the uproar, INAH expressed hope that the video might serve a positive purpose: attracting younger audiences to the rich cultural and historical legacy of Mexico’s ancient civilizations. The video has reignited ongoing debates around heritage tourism, digital media, and the ethics of influencer access to cultural patrimony for commercial purposes. "MrBeast" has yet to comment publicly.