Content creator and famous YouTuber James Stephen Donaldson, known as "MrBeast," surprised his followers by announcing that he had "rented" the Pyramids of Giza—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—for 100 hours to uncover their secrets with a group of friends. This prompted Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities to issue a statement to clarify the matter.
In a video on YouTube, the popular influencer explained that he and his team would be filming at the pyramids for 100 hours, exploring any location they wished inside.
Rooms Unseen by the Public
MrBeast mentioned that he and his friends would "sleep inside the pyramids," accompanied by a tour guide who would provide historical insights. They would also gain access to "rooms that no one has seen publicly."
Several questions also arose about whether Egyptian laws permit this. These discussions sparked a broader debate about the preservation of historical sites and the regulations governing their use.
Zahi Hawass Denies Claims
Prominent Egyptologist Zahi Hawass told **Al Arabiya Net** and **Al Hadath Net** that there is no provision in Egyptian law for "renting the pyramids," dismissing the influencer’s claims as either a slip of the tongue or an exaggeration.
Hawass explained that photography is permitted in the pyramid area for a fee, a practice followed for many years and common in several countries worldwide.
He clarified that MrBeast was filming in the pyramids area for four days after obtaining the necessary permits. He noted that the influencer likely misspoke when promoting his new content for those interested in ancient Egyptian civilization and the allure of the pyramids.
He Won't Sleep Inside the Pyramid
Hawass also refuted the claim that MrBeast would sleep—or had slept—inside the pyramid. Instead, he said the influencer had set up a tent in the desert near the pyramids for sleeping.
The renowned archaeologist emphasized that the young YouTuber, who has hundreds of millions of followers worldwide, would bring significant promotional benefits to Egyptian tourism, underscoring the visit's importance from a tourism perspective.
Official Statement from the Ministry of Antiquities
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued a statement on Thursday, denying the claims that the pyramids area had been "rented" to the American influencer. The statement described the idea of renting the site as entirely untrue, illogical, and impossible.
The ministry explained that MrBeast had not rented the area but merely obtained a permit to film outside of official working hours. The filming has been completed without closing the site, even for an hour, as some rumors suggested.
The ministry also affirmed adherence to all regulations governing the matter. Archaeologists from the area accompanied MrBeast and his filming crew throughout the process to ensure compliance with all guidelines and to safeguard the archaeological site from any potential harm.
The Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Pyramid Complex, located on the Giza Plateau, includes the three great pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—as well as the Sphinx and several ancient tombs.
Situated in the Western Desert, the complex is approximately 9 kilometers (5 miles) west of the Nile River in the old city of Giza and about 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of central Cairo.
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