INAH and Culture Ministry confirm legal action after MrBeast’s “100 Hours in an Ancient Temple” includes misleading drone, mask, and helicopter scenes.
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast — the world’s most-followed content creator on YouTube with over 394 million subscribers — is at the center of a growing controversy in Mexico after filming a high-budget video at several federally protected archaeological sites, including Calakmul, Chichén Itzá, and Balamcanché.
The video, titled “I Survived 100 Hours in an Ancient Temple,” was released on May 10, 2025, and quickly went viral, racking up over 52 million views. It features MrBeast and his team navigating ancient ruins, swimming in cenotes, dining on Maya-style meals, and allegedly camping overnight within temple grounds.
Despite its popularity online, the video has drawn sharp criticism from Mexican officials, archaeologists, and the public. The Mexican Ministry of Culture announced it will impose sanctions and file legal action against MrBeast for allegedly misrepresenting events and violating the intended use of cultural heritage sites.
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, said in a press conference, “Of course we do not agree [with how the site was used]… because that’s not what these spaces are for.” She emphasized that archaeological sites are not meant for spectacle or entertainment and warned that MrBeast’s portrayal crosses ethical and legal boundaries.
The ministry’s complaint focuses on scenes in the video that depict the team parachuting in, spending the night in restricted zones, and handling what appears to be a pre-Hispanic mask. Officials argue these scenes were staged using post-production effects and false narratives.
President Sheinbaum Confirms Permits Were Granted
President Claudia Sheinbaum weighed in during her morning press conference, confirming that MrBeast’s production had received official filming permits issued by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), following formal requests by Mexico’s federal Ministry of Tourism and the governments of Yucatán and Campeche.
However, she added that further review is underway to determine whether the terms of the permits were violated. “If someone enters a site protected by INAH, they must have a permit,” Sheinbaum stated. “What we need to assess is whether there was a breach of those conditions.”
INAH issued a public statement explaining that their personnel were present during the shoot to ensure the protection of the sites and compliance with preservation protocols. The institute confirmed that the filming was conducted under legal procedures and stressed that elements such as the alleged helicopter landing, drone flights inside the Kukulkán pyramid, and use of an ancient mask were fabricated in post-production.
“The mask shown is clearly a contemporary reproduction,” INAH noted. The organization also clarified that no overnight stays or drone activity inside sacred structures occurred during filming.
Despite its concerns, INAH acknowledged the potential upside of such viral content, stating that “the dissemination of this kind of content can inspire interest among young audiences in Mexico and around the world to learn about our ancestral cultures.”
The controversy underscores MrBeast’s vast global influence. Known for extravagant stunts and philanthropic giveaways, he has built a digital empire that spans beyond YouTube. In addition to launching a popular chocolate brand (Feastables), a virtual restaurant chain (MrBeast Burger), and a high-stakes reality series (Beast Games) on Prime Video, MrBeast continues to command attention across entertainment, business, and now international diplomacy.
Earlier this year, he made headlines by joking on X (formerly Twitter) about buying TikTok to prevent its ban, illustrating just how far-reaching his voice has become.
As Mexican authorities move forward with sanctions, the incident has sparked a broader debate on how foreign influencers engage with protected cultural sites. While some see MrBeast’s video as a way to spark global curiosity about Mexico’s rich history, others view it as a careless act that trivializes sacred heritage for the sake of entertainment.
With legal proceedings pending, the case could set a precedent for how digital creators interact with cultural landmarks worldwide — and the responsibilities that come with such influence.
