Maya Researcher Says Work Plagiarized by Tulum Officials

Tulum, Mexico — Luis May, a Maya researcher with over a decade of experience, has denounced what he calls "an outrage and a lack of respect for my work and my person" after discovering that Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón and the Dr. Simi Foundation endorsed a project to revive the ancestral "Azul Maya" technique—a project he claims was plagiarized from his own research.

Researcher Claims Work Was Stolen

May alleges that Anna Sofía Racanski, who attended only two of his workshops on the traditional dyeing technique, presented his findings as her own. The initiative, which seeks to restore and celebrate the cultural and medicinal legacy of the Maya people, was originally spearheaded by May.

In a detailed statement, May recounted how Racanski participated in a workshop at his home in Cobá last year, focusing on fabric dyeing with Azul Ch’oj. Later, he agreed to lead a discounted workshop for children and families in Tulum. However, he claims Racanski misrepresented their agreement by adding unauthorized activities, forcing him to prepare additional materials last-minute.

Despite initial payment disputes, May says he eventually received compensation but ended the collaboration on tense terms. He was shocked to later discover an article featuring Racanski alongside Mayor Castañón, where she was credited as having "devoted her life to researching and recreating Azul Maya."

Researcher Demands Recognition

May asserts that Racanski’s knowledge of Azul Maya stems solely from his workshops and that she used his work to secure sponsorships without his consent. "She took two workshops and is now using my research to seek funding and support, posing as if she pioneered this," he said.

After May publicly challenged the claims on social media, the article was partially removed from the mayor’s Facebook page. Thousands of users have since rallied behind May, acknowledging his years of self-funded research to preserve this ancestral heritage.

May has released images and correspondence to support his allegations, including messages where Racanski allegedly called him "selfish" and accused him of pursuing money rather than sharing knowledge freely.

Public Backlash and Calls for Accountability

The controversy has sparked widespread criticism online, with many demanding accountability from both Racanski and the officials who endorsed her project. May’s Facebook profile documents his extensive efforts to revive Azul Maya, further bolstering his credibility among supporters.

May has vowed to defend his work and reputation, emphasizing that his research has received no government support and has been financed entirely from his own resources.

The Dr. Simi Foundation and Tulum’s municipal government have yet to publicly respond to the allegations.