Katy Perry’s New Music Video Sparks Legal Controversy In Spain Over Environmental Concerns
Katy Perry’s latest music video, Lifetimes, has stirred up controversy in Spain, as environmental authorities are investigating whether the pop star’s production crew violated regulations at a protected natural park. The video, which was released on August 8, showcases the Teenage Dream hitmaker enjoying the picturesque dunes of the Balearic Islands, but the filming location has now come under scrutiny.
The Environment Department of the Balearic Islands issued a press release on August 14, stating that the production company behind the Lifetimes video did not obtain proper authorization to film at the protected sand dunes of Ses Salines Natural Park. The area, known for its fragile ecosystem, requires specific permits for any kind of commercial activity, especially filming.
In the video, Katy is seen frolicking on the dunes of S’Espalmador island, a location marked by ropes indicating restricted access. The sight of the singer in this sensitive area has led to concerns that the video production may have caused environmental damage, prompting an official investigation by the Environment Department.
While the press release emphasized that filming Lifetimes does not constitute a “crime against the environment,” it did classify the incident as an infringement of local regulations. The Environment Department clarified that video production can be authorized, but only if the correct procedures are followed.
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Katy’s label provided a statement to PEOPLE, explaining that the local production company had assured them all necessary permits were in place. “We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead,” the statement read.
The spokesperson added that the crew had applied for a permit on July 22 and received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with filming on July 27.
The video, directed by Stillz, captures Katy’s vibrant trip to Ibiza, where she is seen dancing at bars, swimming, and riding a motorcycle.
Lifetimes, the second single from Katy’s upcoming sixth album, 143, is about finding deep and meaningful love, a theme Katy says is inspired by her daughter, Daisy Dove.
“It’s about finding that one deep and satisfying love of your life. A soulmate doesn’t always have to come in the form of a partner – it can come in all different ways, a child, a best friend, a pet,” she explained.
Sharing that her own soulmate is her daughter, she added, “I ask her every night, ‘Will you find me in every lifetime?’ She says yes, and I feel found.”
Katy’s new album, 143, which also features the lead single Woman’s World, is set to be released on September 20 via Capitol Records. Whether this controversy will impact the album’s rollout remains to be seen, but it certainly has added an unexpected twist to the Roar hitmaker’s latest project.
