Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently addressed claims made by popular YouTuber MrBeast, asserting he had rented the Pyramids of Giza for his latest video project. The ministry's intervention came after MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, announced during the Beyond the Records podcast, hosted by Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles, his plans to film at the iconic site for 100 hours.
According to MrBeast, this extended access allowed him to explore parts of the pyramids—tombs, rooms, and secret corridors—that aren’t typically open to the public. The YouTuber's excitement was evident as he detailed on the podcast, "We got all three of the pyramids of Egypt for 100 hours," promising viewers extraordinary content.
Despite MrBeast's compelling narrative, the Egyptian authorities swiftly moved to clarify the situation. The statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities emphasized, “No rental agreement was made; rather, MrBeast obtained the necessary permit to film during non-working hours to avoid disrupting visitor access.” The ministry later stated, “MrBeast and his filming crew were accompanied by on-site archaeologists throughout the shoot” to guarantee compliance with preservation protocols and promote cultural tourism.
The well-known Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass added his voice to the debate, outright denying the claims of rented access during his appearance on MBC Egypt's 'Happening in Egypt' program. Hawass insisted, "The man (MrBeast) never said the word rent at all. No one in the world can rent a pyramid… no one in the world can rent a pyramid,” reflecting the strict regulations governing access to such historical sites.
MrBeast's venture aligns with broader efforts to use digital platforms for cultural promotion, especially for tourism-heavy nations like Egypt. The project, facilitated by the Egypt Film Commission, aims to leverage MrBeast's immense following—over 337 million on YouTube—to showcase the “majestic beauty of Egypt’s archaeological wonders,” encouraging public interest and travel.
Hawass shared insights from his recent meeting with MrBeast, noting the YouTuber was grateful for the opportunity to film and aimed to convey to his audience, “that the Egyptians were the builders of the pyramids.” This message, alongside stunning visuals from the Giza plateau, holds potential to reshape the global perception of Egypt's ancient achievements as well as its contemporary tourism offerings.
The ministry's statement concluded by reinforcing their guidelines for filming at historical sites, aiming to maintain equilibrium between preservation and promotion. While MrBeast's livestreaming adventure at the pyramids may not have followed the framework of rental agreements, it nonetheless sparked vibrant conversations online, driving viewers to reflect on the historical and cultural significance of the pyramids.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time such events have captured public fascination. A lavish wedding held at the Giza Pyramids by entrepreneur Ankur Jain earlier this year had already raised eyebrows about the use of public historical spaces for private events. While such activities are regulated, high-profile projects like MrBeast's spotlight the revenue potential and cultural capital of these ancient sites.
Indeed, hosting significant events at these landmarks can attract global attention. Previous productions ranging from Hollywood films to fashion shows have also taken place at the site, adding to Egypt's allure as both a historical and modern cultural hub.
The vibrant public dialogue surrounding MrBeast's project brings to light not only the anticipation built around his exploration but also the potential future of video content as vehicles for cultural education. With his elaborate productions and philanthropic aims, MrBeast is set to redefine how we perceive and interact with history—offering insights, entertainment, and education all rolled up together.
For MrBeast, whose unique approach to storytelling has transformed the YouTube space, the Giza Pyramids are merely the latest backdrop for his expansive creativity. His segments resonate well beyond mere views, encouraging explorers and dreamers alike to contemplate one of human history's most magnificent achievements. And for Egypt, each video viewed means another heartbeat added to the world's connection with its unparalleled heritage.
The balancing act between displaying the past and promoting tourism will likely continue to be at the forefront of discussions among Egyptian authorities, content creators, and audiences worldwide. How MrBeast's content will influence this dynamic remains to be seen, but the conversation has only just begun.