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The famous YouTuber says he rented the Great Pyramids of Giza for an upcoming video
The famous YouTuber MrBeast
says he rented the Great Pyramids of Giza for an upcoming video

YouTube megastar Jimmy Donaldson, also known as MrBeast, recently ignited a wave of controversy with his bold assertion that he could rent the iconic Egyptian Pyramids for 100 hours to produce exclusive content. The revelation, made during his appearance on the Beyond The Records podcast, prompted swift clarification from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, bringing global attention to the story.

The Claim: MrBeast’s Ambitious Pyramid Adventure

On the podcast, MrBeast enthusiastically shared his plans: “We got all three of the pyramids of Egypt for a hundred hours. I’m going to do a video where they’re going to let me explore anywhere I want in the pyramids for 100 hours. We’re going to sleep at the pyramids, all to ourselves.”

The YouTuber expressed his fascination with the ancient structures, describing a desire to uncover hidden chambers and secrets within their depths. “I want them to be like, this is the room no one’s seen publicly or whatever,” he added. His excitement at the prospect of exploring secret quarters deep beneath the pyramids quickly caught the attention of fans and skeptics alike.

The Official Response: Egypt Denies Exclusive Access

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities swiftly debunked MrBeast’s claim. In an official statement, the Ministry described the notion of renting the Giza Pyramids as “completely untrue, illogical, and not possible in any way.” Reports from Asharq News confirmed that MrBeast had received a permit to film in the area but only under specific conditions.

The Ministry clarified that the permit allowed filming outside official working hours to avoid disruption to visitors. Contrary to MrBeast’s assertions, the pyramids remained open to the public during the day. Furthermore, archaeological experts accompanied his team throughout the project to ensure the protection of the site.

“While MrBeast was granted permission to film, the Giza Pyramids area was fully operational and welcoming visitors during regular hours,” the Ministry stated. This collaboration was framed as a form of tourism promotion, aiming to showcase Egypt’s rich heritage to a global audience.

Dr. Zahi Hawass Weighs In

Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass also addressed the situation, refuting the notion of renting the pyramids. “There is no such thing as renting the Pyramid,” Dr. Hawass explained in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat. He confirmed that MrBeast’s project was approved for filming over four days, strictly within regulated parameters. Additionally, Dr. Hawass emphasized that no one, including MrBeast, stayed overnight within the pyramids.

Dr. Hawass acknowledged the promotional value of such projects but reiterated the importance of preserving Egypt’s cultural treasures under close supervision. Antiquities officials accompanied MrBeast and his crew to ensure compliance with all regulations and safeguard the monuments.

MrBeast: The Internet Sensation

With over 337 million subscribers on his primary YouTube channel and millions more across various platforms, MrBeast has become a household name in digital entertainment. Known for his grandiose challenges and philanthropy, he routinely produces videos that garner hundreds of millions of views. His viral content ranges from saving animals to orchestrating massive giveaways and hosting dramatic competitions.

The pyramid video was yet another example of MrBeast’s ability to tap into his audience’s fascination with history and adventure. He stated that he worked directly with the Egyptian government to gain access to the historic site, describing the experience as a dream come true. “I want to just find secrets and go through all the rooms and the tombs,” he said.

Tourism Promotion Through Filming

Despite the controversy, the Egyptian government viewed the filming project as a valuable opportunity for cultural tourism promotion. According to Youm7, archaeological officials supervised the filming to ensure no harm came to the site. Highlighting Egypt’s ancient wonders through such collaborations aligns with the country’s strategy to attract global attention to its heritage.

Reports from Asharq Al-Awsat confirmed that the project aimed to boost Egypt’s image as a tourism destination while adhering to strict guidelines to protect its archaeological treasures. The controlled filming process underscored the balance between leveraging modern media for promotion and preserving historical integrity.

Controversies in MrBeast’s Career

As a content creator, MrBeast has turned online virality into a science. His highly funded and dramatic videos often polarize audiences. While millions praise his innovative projects, he has also faced criticism over the years. Recent controversies include accusations from participants on his shows and an employee scandal that garnered significant media attention.

Despite these challenges, MrBeast’s influence continues to grow. With earnings estimated at $85 million in 2024 and ventures like his philanthropic efforts and burger chain Beast Burger, MrBeast’s empire extends far beyond YouTube. Harvard Business School has even studied his innovative approach to digital content creation.

Balancing Spectacle with Reality

The tale of MrBeast and the pyramids highlights the intersection of modern media spectacle and cultural heritage. While his claim of exclusive access was swiftly debunked, the project successfully brought attention to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. It also underscores the delicate balance required when using ancient monuments as backdrops for viral content.

As MrBeast’s fans eagerly await the release of his pyramid adventure, the controversy serves as a reminder of the power—and responsibility—of influencers when engaging with global cultural heritage. For Egypt, the collaboration showcases the enduring allure of its ancient wonders, ensuring they remain in the global spotlight for generations to come.

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