Controversy Surrounds YouTube Star’s Mayan Pyramids Video
A recent video posted by YouTube star MrBeast, in which he explores the Mayan pyramids in Mexico, has sparked controversy and outrage among heritage authorities and government officials. The video, which was published on May 10, shows MrBeast and his team visiting restricted areas of the Mayan cities of Calakmul and Chichén Itzá, and handling ancient artifacts.
According to a spokesperson for the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the video was not filmed on any archaeological sites overseen by the institution. "No advertisement material was shot on any archaeological sites overseen by INAH," the spokesperson told the BBC. The video appears to show MrBeast and his team filming at the influencer’s camping site, rather than at an official archaeological site.
The spokesperson also stated that the video was "meant to highlight these treasured Mayan sites in Mexico" and that it was "unfortunate that this has turned into a political issue – hopefully it can lead to a productive dialogue and encourages people to visit these unique historical treasures". However, heritage authorities have disputed this claim, accusing MrBeast of presenting misinformation and making "false assertions" about his visit to the pyramids.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an investigation into the conditions under which the filming permit was granted. The country’s Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, has also weighed in on the controversy, stating that while they had authorised the permit for MrBeast to film, they had never authorised the publication of false information or the use of heritage site images for trademark advertising.
"We disapprove of any commercial pursuit that distorts the value of archaeological sites, which are a legacy of our indigenous cultures and the pride of our nation," she said. She added that Mexico was open to content that contributes to the "knowledge and dissemination of Mexico’s archaeological and cultural heritage", but was firmly against those who "take advantage of the willingness of institutions".
INAH has also criticised MrBeast for his handling of an ancient pre-Hispanic mask, which appeared to be a prop in the video. The institution stated that MrBeast had never held a real pre-Hispanic mask and that there appeared to have been extensive post-production editing in the video, including the helicopter scene. "All of these are false assertions that obey the theatricality of the YouTuber in question," its statement read.
The controversy has also led to calls for administrative sanctions against Full Circle Media, the company that was issued the permit to film. The BBC has sought comment from the firm. MrBeast, who is dubbed the King of YouTube and has 395 million followers, has not commented on the controversy. His video has sparked a heated debate about the use of cultural heritage sites for commercial purposes and the responsibility of social media influencers to respect and preserve cultural artifacts.
The incident highlights the challenges of balancing the promotion of cultural heritage with the need to protect and preserve these sites for future generations. As the Mexican government and heritage authorities continue to investigate the matter, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact MrBeast’s reputation and the wider social media landscape.
The BBC has contacted MrBeast’s team for comment, but has not received a response. The video in question has been viewed millions of times and has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of respecting cultural heritage sites and the role of social media influencers in promoting and preserving these sites.
This is not the first time that MrBeast has faced criticism for his videos, but it is clear that this incident has sparked a significant backlash. As the most-subscribed to person on YouTube, MrBeast has a significant following and a responsibility to use his platform responsibly. The controversy will likely continue to unfold in the coming days, with many eagerly awaiting his response to the allegations.
The source of this article is the BBC
