Mexico Demands Compensation from MrBeast’s Production Company for Using Ancient Ruins in Chocolate Ad
Mexico City:Mexico has demanded compensation from MrBeast’s production company after the famous YouTuber was accused of using images of the country’s ancient ruins to promote his chocolate brand. The controversial video, which showcases MrBeast visiting the Maya ruins, has sparked a national debate.
MrBeast, known for his massive 395 million subscribers on YouTube, posted a video titled “I Explored 2,000-Year-Old Temples” on May 10, which has since been viewed over 60 million times. The video features the social media influencer enjoying various ancient Maya cities, including the ruins of *Ckalakmul* and *Chichen Itza* in southeastern Mexico.
During his exploration, MrBeast is seen entering a pyramid and remarking that he couldn’t believe the government was allowing him to do so. His statement drew criticism from multiple users, many of whom pointed out that such restricted areas are typically only accessible to local citizens and researchers.
On Wednesday, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, demanded clarification from the authorities regarding the terms under which the YouTuber was granted access to these archaeological sites.
In addition to showcasing the ruins, MrBeast also promoted his chocolate brand in the video, claiming the product was “Mayan-Approved” in what some viewers interpreted as a direct advertisement. This led to an official complaint from the *Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia* (National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico), as it believes the ancient sites were misused for commercial purposes.
The dispute has sparked public debates regarding the ethical use of historical and cultural landmarks for commercial gain, with critics questioning whether proper permission was obtained for such use.
As of now, Mexico’s authorities are seeking a formal response from MrBeast’s team, with discussions likely to continue regarding the appropriate use of the country’s rich archaeological heritage.
