MrBeast hits back at allegations he’s been ‘sued’ after being accused of exploiting Mayan pyramids in video

MrBeast has cleared up 'some false things being said' amid a Mexican institution saying it's 'filed an administrative lawsuit' against the production company behind his temples video.

On May 10, the YouTuber known as MrBeast - real name Jimmy Donaldson - shared a video titled I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples to his page.

The opening of the video teases: "Everything you guys are seeing now the Mayans didn't want us to see. Nobody gets to go where we're going."

Various sites shown in the video require permission being obtained from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), however, while permission was reportedly granted, the INAH has since accused the production company behind the video of having broken certain details of the agreement.

And the video has seen President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico's culture secretary speak out too.

What Mexico's president and the culture secretary have said about MrBeast's video

Sheinbaum spoke out questioning how the YouTuber reportedly got 'permission from the INAH'.

"Now we need the INAH to tell us under what conditions this permission was granted," she said. "And if the permission was violated, then what sanctions will be imposed."

Mexico's culture secretary, Claudia Curiel, also said in a post to social media she and the INAH are 'always open' to proposals that 'contribute to the knowledge and dissemination of Mexico’s archaeological and cultural heritage'.

However, Curiel claims the permit issued to Full Circle Media - the local producing company representing Mr Donaldson in Mexico - 'never authorized the publication of false information or the use of the image of heritage sites for the advertising of commercial brands'.

"[Translation] We disagree with those who take advantage of the good disposition of the institutions to violate the terms of the authorizations granted," the statement continues. "We disapprove of any commercial intent that distorts the value of the archaeological zones, which are a legacy of our indigenous cultures and a pride of our nation."

She added the INAH is now 'evaluating administrative sanctions against this production company' and considering 'demanding compensation'.

Indeed, the INAH has taken to Twitter too.

What the INAH has said

INAH said in a statement: "The permit issued to the company Full Circle Media, representative of Mr Beast, did not authorize the publication of false information or the use of the image of archaeological sites for the advertising of commercial brands for private profit purposes."

Later in the thread, the INAH said it has indeed 'filed an administrative lawsuit against said production company'.

"[We are] demanding compensation for damages and a public retraction, due to the failure to comply with the terms of the good faith permits issued by the institution and for making illicit use, for private profit purposes, of the archaeological heritage that belongs to all Mexicans."

And MrBeast has since responded.

MrBeast's says they're 'not being sued'

Noting the 'great respect' he and his team have for 'the Mexican and Mayan culture and people,' the YouTuber said in a statement shared to Twitter the team 'did this video to get people all over the world excited to learn more about their culture' - comparing it to the Pyramids video.

MrBeast has denied his team is being 'sued' and it 'saddens' him to 'see people spreading lies'.

He argued they filmed the video with 'full permits, followed guidelines, had representatives from government agencies following [them], Mexican archeologists to make sure [they] were accurate, AND representatives from the sites to ensure [they] were following the rules'.

MrBeast continued by saying everyone was 'aware' of the mention of Feastables and the dinner scene where the joke was made wasn't filmed 'near any mayan temples' or 'national monuments'.

He resolved: "We also never planned on sharing this, but as always my hand is forced by false headlines - behind the scenes we funded wells and water projects in the state, I’ve also been working with INAH on a fund to support local Mexican archeology and new discoveries because I wanted to help spread the culture as a thanks for allowing us to film.

"I hope to go back someday and continue to share how awesome the culture is with the world, sad to see this get distorted."

MrBeast also retweeted two posts shared by Governor of Campeche Layda Sansores.

Governor of Campeche Layda Sansores' response

The governor of the state allegedly said, as per MrBeast: "This video represents enormous publicity for the state, with more than 56 million views in just four days. This material, by the way, was produced with respect and professionalism.

"I am surprised that, on the other hand, the Ministry of Culture wants to sanction the production for its adaptations for an international youth and children's audience, which was typical characteristics of visual literature.

"These adaptations do not violate current law nor do they endanger the national archeological heritage."

The other of Sansores' tweets is addressed to MrBeast and sees her express 'heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Campeche' for bringing 'hope' to a state which has 'long been forgotten despite its immense natural and cultural wealth'.

Sansores states the 'extraordinary exposure' of MrBeast's channel has 'greatly enhanced' its 'efforts in tourism' and helped put the state on the 'global map'.

The statement praises MrBeast for his 'generosity, noble spirit' and 'kind heart'.

"Some may not understand it, but we value it deeply and are grateful that fate brought you to this land," it added.

MrBeast responded: "Thank you, I had a phenomenal time showcasing Mayan culture and I appreciate you helping me clear the air on everything! Genuinely this post means a lot."

UNILAD has contacted representatives for MrBeast and the INAH for comment.