INAH will sanction Mr. Beast for video made in a Mayan temple

The scandal erupted after the release of the video "I Survived 100 Hours Inside an Ancient Temple" by the famous YouTuber Mr. Beast. With more than 53 million views, the content filmed in archaeological sites like Calakmul, Chichén Itzá, and Balamcanché sparked immediate criticism. Mainly due to the influencer's privileged access to areas restricted to the general public.

The outrage was swift. While thousands of Mexicans are prevented from even approaching these spaces, the government of the self-proclaimed "Fourth Transformation" opened the doors to the foreign content creator without much hesitation.

Now, in an attempt to calm the public reaction, the Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, has announced that "there will be sanctions."

The director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Diego Prieto, supported the stance and confirmed that he will seek an administrative lawsuit for "damage to the dignity" of the archaeological sites.

First privileges, then punishments

Prieto's own statements make it clear that the federal authorities were aware of Mr. Beast's team's intentions from the start.

According to his account, the requested permit was denied by INAH due to the unacceptable conditions that included closing the areas to the public and staying overnight inside the pyramids. However, the YouTuber's team turned to state and tourism authorities, who intervened to facilitate the filming.

Now, the same government that allowed access is scandalized by content they themselves decided not to supervise. They didn't demand the script, didn't review the final product before its release, and, according to them, trusted "verbally."

The supposed defense of archaeological heritage comes late, poorly, and with shades of political opportunism.

The complaints about the use of helicopters, drones, or the manipulation of pieces are valid, but the responsibility doesn't lie solely with a foreigner. The real problem is the negligence and contradiction of the Mexican authorities, who first open the door and then feign outrage.

No clear rules or institutional respect

This case highlights the institutional fragility in Mexico. Decisions are made for political convenience, without technical criteria or respect for established rules.

What is the message for Mexican citizens, when they are imposed strict limits while others buy the privilege?

Beyond the scandal with Mr. Beast, the real danger lies in a government that uses heritage as a propaganda tool, while destroying its credibility.

In a country without clear rules or institutional checks and balances, the foreigner isn't the greatest risk.