Katy Perry’s New Music Video Investigated by Spain Over Possible Damage to Protected Dunes

Spanish officials have opened an investigation into the production company for Katy Perry ‘s latest music video for filming in protected dunes of the Balearic Islands without permission.

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The Stillz-directed video for Perry’s newly-released single Lifetimes from her sixth studio album 143 shows the singer partying and clubbing on the Mediterranean islands, but Spanish authorities released a statement on Tuesday saying authorization was not sought to film on the ecologically-sensitive land on the isle of S’Espalmado in Formentera .

Officials are looking into possible damage to the dunes, though Perry and the production team are not at risk of being persecuted for any “crime against the environment” because videos and photography “can be authorized” upon request.

The ministry in charge of conservation of the area said “in no case had the production company requested authorization from the ministry to carry out the filming” and that is why a preliminary investigation has been initiated.

A label spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday that “the local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured. We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead. Our local crew on July 22 applied for a permit for this specific location with the Directorate-General For Coasts And Coastline. Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with the filming on July 27. We adhered to all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it.”

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THR also reached out to the production company of the video, WeOwnTheCity.

The popstar has released two singles from 143 ahead of its Sept. 20 release: Woman’s World and Lifetimes . Both singles have not been received warmly by critics and fans of the singer, whose last album Smile peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard 200 in 2020.

Aug. 14, 2:30 p.m. Updated with a statement from the label spokesperson.

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