Mr. Beast’s Mexico Video Hits 60M Views Despite Legal Row

Mexico City — The video created by YouTuber Mr. Beast in archaeological zones of Campeche and Yucatán, which led to a complaint by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has accumulated 12 million daily views since its release.

According to YouTube’s counter, the video titled "I Explored 2,000-Year-Old Temples", published on May 10, had reached 60 million views by last night.

"I remember when videos used to get 37 views a day, not 37 million. I appreciate everyone who watches the videos, and I’d thank each of you personally if it were physically possible," the creator boasted on his YouTube account one day after the video’s release.

On Wednesday, INAH filed an administrative complaint against Mr. Beast’s production company, Full Circle Media, arguing that the video disseminates false information about the archaeological sites visited by the YouTuber. The agency is demanding "damage reparations and a public retraction for violating the terms of the good-faith permits issued by the institution."

INAH had granted all necessary permits for filming in the archaeological zones of Campeche and Yucatán. "The permit issued to Full Circle Media, representing Mr. Beast, did not authorize the publication of false information or the use of the archaeological sites’ image for commercial brand advertising for private profit," the agency stated.

Campeche Governor Layda Sansores of the Morena party defended Mr. Beast and questioned the complaint, suggesting that any legal action should instead target her administration.

"I deeply regret that the benefits for Campeche are not being weighed. This video represents enormous publicity for the state, with over 56 million views in just four days, and it was produced with respect and professionalism," Sansores said.

"I am surprised that, instead, the Ministry of Culture seeks to penalize the production for its adaptations aimed at an international youth and child audience, which are typical of visual storytelling. These adaptations do not violate current laws or endanger national archaeological heritage," the governor added.

Million-Dollar Prizes

At 27 years old, James Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has revolutionized digital content with a simple yet powerful formula: viral spectacles featuring million-dollar prizes. He currently boasts over 395 million YouTube subscribers and is famous for giving away cars, houses, private islands, and large sums of money to participants in his videos.

In December, he launched his series Beast Games, an instant hit where ordinary people compete in thrilling games and contests for prizes ranging from $5 million to a private island. One of his most successful videos, "Squid Game in Real Life for $456,000" (inspired by the Netflix series but without violence), gathered 459 participants to play the famous games, with the winner taking home the cash. The video has surpassed 791 million views.

Another video, "$1 vs. $500,000 Airplane Ticket", showcases experiences from luxury private flights to ultra-budget travel. He even invited some of his subscribers to join him. The video has accumulated over 479 million views.

His Charisma

A notable aspect of MrBeast’s work is his commitment to philanthropy. Through his foundation, Beast Philanthropy, he has carried out large-scale, high-impact charitable initiatives.

"I want to make the world a better place," MrBeast states on his website. The foundation’s most prominent initiatives include vision-restoring surgeries for 1,000 people, prosthetic deliveries for 2,000 individuals with disabilities, and reconstructive surgeries for children with cleft lips. Additionally, he has funded the construction of schools, orphanages, and clean water wells in vulnerable African communities.

"His charisma and ability to connect with people are fundamental to his brand," explained Edrei Álvarez Monsiváis, a digital media specialist at the Department of Film and Communication at the University of Monterrey (UDEM).

"MrBeast’s success lies in his broad audience, spanning children to adults, and the fact that he doesn’t just promote products or his private life. Instead, he builds narratives that touch on human values like generosity and empathy."

According to Álvarez Monsiváis, one of the key factors in his cultural impact is how he transforms well-known stories into real-life experiences. Although Beast Games is not part of his philanthropic projects, it exemplifies his creative reach and influence as a creator who entertains and transforms realities.

However, for the first time in his career, he faces legal trouble—and it’s happening in Mexico.