MrBeast announces leasing Giza pyramids, sparking outcry

Critics have voiced concerns after popular YouTuber MrBeast (James Donaldson) revealed alleged plans to lease the iconic Giza pyramids in Egypt for 100 hours.  

In a conversation with Beyond the Records podcast host Noah Lyles, a US Olympic athlete, Donaldson disclosed that he has been granted full access to the pyramids for this 100-hour period. 

The 26-year-old content creator claims that not only will he explore the Pyramids of Giza, but he would also be sleeping inside. 

Donaldson alleged he collaborated with the Egyptian government for permission, expressing his excitement to uncover hidden secrets and explore areas like tombs and rooms that have never been seen by the public.  

“I’m super thrilled because there are these hidden passageways far below as well. I have no idea what to expect,” he added. 

His interview, part of an upcoming Beyond the Records episode set to release Thursday, gained widespread attention after a teaser was posted on the show’s social media accounts.  

The clip sparked criticism from both Egyptians and non-Egyptians, raising concerns about the potential misuse of Egypt’s artifacts and landmarks, as well as the possible impact on tourism in Giza. 

“This is so shitty on MrBeast’s part, but nothing is as disgusting as how the Egyptian government has been selling out our artifacts and landmarks and land to f*cking foreigners to destroy and desecrate for YouTube videos and strobe-light filled concerts,” one user wrote on social media platform X. 

Another X user wrote,”I sincerely hope that every pharaoh and ruler that’s buried in those pyramids, have an emergency seance and tear MrBeast and his crew tf up psychologically and spiritually for the remainder of their natural lives. 

“This is unnecessary and disrespectful. Egypt should be ashamed.”

However, Egypt’s tourism ministry has since refuted Donaldson’s claims, issuing a statement that MrBeast did not rent the site but instead obtained a permit to film outside of regular operating hours. 

The ministry also reaffirmed that the pyramids remain fully operational, welcoming visitors during regular hours. 

Ashraf Mohieddin, director-general of the Giza Pyramids, further supported Egypt’s statement, telling The New Arab that the YouTuber visited the pyramids to film certain parts of the site for his channel, having secured the required permissions from the authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.  

MrBeast visited the Pyramids plateau a week prior for a day, he said. 

Mohieddin added that he accompanied MrBeast during his tour on the Giza plateau, denying claims about the American influencer renting the pyramids site for 100 hours. 

Mohieddin posted photos during his tour with the US influencer on his Facebook page on December 11. 

The renewed backlash comes amid growing concerns over Egypt’s cultural heritage, which has faced increasing threats from looting, smuggling, vandalism, encroachment, and other illegal activities, putting its historic sites at risk.  

Last month, a video surfaced on social media showing workers atop the Great Pyramids of Giza chipping away at its 4,000-year-old stones.  

Additionally, controversy flared when Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli announced the potential launch of a global tender to upgrade the Giza Plateau area earlier this month. 

Archaeologists have warned that any upgrades must be carefully planned to avoid damaging the environment surrounding these ancient relics- as human activity, particularly construction, could cause irreversible harm to the millennia-old antiquities. 

The three pyramids, located just outside Cairo in Giza, include the largest, the Great Pyramid of Giza, which was originally built as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.  

These structures are estimated to be between 2,700 and 4,600 years old. 

Khufu’s pyramid is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its historical and cultural significance.