I Explored 2,000 Year Old Ancient Temples is the title of the aforementioned video. In it, the influencer travels to ancient Maya cities in southeast Mexico, such as Calakmul and Chichén Itzá. Uploaded on 10th May.
He has also come under fire from some users for obtaining government access to places that Mexicans couldn’t reach on their own.
In the clip, MrBeast, whose real name is James Donaldson, featured his own personal snack brand and called it, “Mayan-approved.”
He did, however, make sure to express gratitude to Mexican tourism and government officials for granting him permission to film there.
What did the National Institute of Archaeology and History say?
Mexico, is “glad YouTubers and all young people the world-over know the importance of our indigenous civilizations.” The group said in a statement posted to social media, though “we condemn in the strongest terms those who exploit.”
It also stated the “use of the image of the archaeological zone for the advertising of a commercial brand to benefiting private profit.” Also “not what was endorsed by the permit given by a production company called Full Circle Media”.
Mexico is subsequently “demanding a public retraction and compensation for damages, due to noncompliance with the terms,” the statement stated.
What MrBeast’s team said?
Donaldson’s representative has refuted the allegations.
“No advertising was filmed in any archaeological site protected by INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History),” they told the BBC.
Indeed, it would seem that Donaldson’s camp was employed as the location for the scene where he offers the chocolate desert.
The spokesperson expressed that the video was intended to showcase the cherished Mayan sites in Mexico. They added that it’s unfortunate this has become a political matter, but they hope it can spark a meaningful conversation and inspire people to explore these remarkable historical gems.
