Spanish authorities are investigating singer Katy Perry for allegedly filming a music video in the ecologically sensitive sand dunes of the Balearic Islands without securing the necessary permissions.
The video for her recent single “Lifetimes” features the singer enjoying the beaches and vibrant nightlife of Ibiza and Formentera.
Concerns have arisen over scenes that were presumably shot within the protected dunes on the isle of S’Espalmador in Formentera.
The Spanish government has issued a statement accusing the production team behind the video of failing to secure the required filming permissions. Katy Perry has yet to respond.
However, officials clarified that Katy Perry is not being accused of any environmental crimes, as filming in the area can be authorized with proper permissions.
On Tuesday, the Balearic Islands’ environment department announced in a press release that the production team did not obtain the required authorizations before filming.
As a result, the release stated that “preliminary investigation actions have been initiated.”
The department highlighted a provision in the Natural Resources Management Plan, which mandates explicit approval from the Ministry of Environment for any “photographic, cinematographic or videographic” activities aimed at advertising or commercial purposes.
“Lifetimes” includes sequences of the dune system on S’Espalmador, which is recognized as one of Formentera’s most ecologically significant areas.
S’Espalmador is an uninhabited islet north of Formentera, measuring roughly 1.8 miles in length. Since 1980, it has been part of the Ses Salines de Ibiza and Formentera Natural Park.
The dunes on this small, privately owned island hold immense ecological importance, as highlighted on the regional government’s tourism website.
This incident occurs amid a turbulent promotional phase for the singer’s seventh album, “143,” set to be released in September.
Her initial single from the new album, “Woman’s World,” was met with criticism and did not perform well on the charts, with critics deeming its feminist message outdated.
The Guardian asked, “What regressive, warmed-over hell is this?”, The Cut stated that “Perry is stuck in 2016,” and Rolling Stone raised the question, “Did Katy Perry release the worst comeback single of all time?”
The subsequent single “Lifetimes” was also produced by Dr. Luke, who has faced backlash for his collaboration with Perry.
Singer Kesha filed a lawsuit against Dr. Luke in 2014, accusing him of extensive abuse, an allegation he denied. The lengthy defamation case was settled last year.
