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Popular YouTube content creator MrBeast, whose real name is James Stephen Donaldson, is currently involved in a lawsuit with Mexican authorities. This controversy began after he shared a video on his YouTube channel titled "I Explored 2000 Year Old Temples" on May 10, 2025.
The video begins with MrBeast, the most subscribed content creator on YouTube with over 395 million followers, waving goodbye to a helicopter that allegedly brought him and his team to the Mayan pyramids. He enters the temple and explores some of the deepest parts, which, according to him, “not even archeologists are allowed to go back here.” At some points, he says he “can't believe the government is letting us do this.”
During his time touring the 2000-year-old temple, MrBeast allegedly held a real pre-Hispanic mask and also used the opportunity to promote his chocolate brand, Feastables.
“And to wrap up the night, we have a special Mayan dessert. The brand new Feastables Peanut Butter Cups!” he exclaimed.
The fifteen-minute video has garnered over 64 million views and more than two million likes in less than a week since its release.
The Mexican government expressed discontent with MrBeast's actions, claiming that the YouTuber exploited the ancient pyramids for commercial gain. They clarified that while they granted MrBeast permission to visit and film at the sites, no authorization was given to use the locations for profit.
More details on the MrBeast and Mexico controversy
Following the release of the pyramid exploration video, INAH has come out to speak against Beast's actions and accuse him of spreading wrong information. In a thread on their official X account, INAH talks about the video.
“Regarding the video released by YouTuber Mr. Beast, the National Institute of Anthropology and History announces that it is always open to audiovisual proposals that contribute to the understanding and dissemination of Mexico's archaeological and cultural heritage. We are pleased that YouTubers and all the young people of the world appreciate the value of our indigenous civilizations.”
The institute criticized Beast for exploiting the pyramids, a legacy of Mexicans, for commercial purposes. They stressed that while he was allowed to film at the site, they never authorized him to use their heritage for advertising and profit.
“What the INAH strongly condemns is that there are those who take advantage of the good disposition of the institutions to violate the terms of the authorizations granted. Furthermore, the INAH condemns those who, for commercial gain and private profit, dare to distort the value of archaeological sites, which are a legacy of our indigenous cultures and the pride of our nation.”
The institute also revealed that Beast presented false information, as he never held a prehistoric mask nor took a helicopter to the site.
“The permit issued to Full Circle Media, representing Mr. Beast, did not authorize the publication of false information or the use of images of archaeological sites to advertise trademarks for private profit. The nation's heritage, which is public by nature, cannot be exploited by commercial enterprises. The separation of political and economic power is an essential principle of the fourth transformation.”
They concluded the long thread by stating that they are filing an administrative lawsuit against MrBeast's production company.
“For this reason, the INAH has filed an administrative lawsuit against the production company, demanding compensation for damages and a public retraction for failure to comply with the terms of the permits issued in good faith by the institution and for making illicit use, for private profit, of the archaeological heritage that belongs to all Mexicans. Thank you for your attention.”
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Following the statement from Mexican authorities, a representative of MrBeast spoke to the BBC and denied some of the accusations.
“No advertisement material was shot on any archaeological sites overseen by INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History),” the spokesperson said, as reported by the BBC.
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