Katy Perry is facing backlash for her latest music video, in which she is seen running and jumping on protected dunes in Spain’s Balearic Islands. The regional government has launched an investigation into the filming of the video for her song “Lifetimes” in the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. The video also includes scenes from the private islet of S’Espalmador, an ecologically valuable site that is cordoned off from the public.
The regional authorities have opened preliminary investigation proceedings as the production company failed to apply for the necessary permits to film in the protected area. While the filming itself may not constitute an environmental offense with the appropriate permits, the controversy surrounding the unauthorized filming in a protected area has sparked criticism. Katy Perry’s label, Universal Music, has stated that the local production company assured them that all permits were secured, but one was still being processed at the time of filming.
The music video, directed by Colombian-American photographer and director Matías Vasquez, known as Stillz, shows Perry engaging in various activities on the Balearic Islands, a popular tourist destination in Spain. The video portrays scenes of Perry sailing, swimming, and clubbing on the islands, capturing the essence of a typical tourist experience in the region. Perry’s new album “143” is set to be released on September 20, coinciding with the controversy surrounding her music video and the investigation by regional authorities into the unauthorized filming in a protected natural enclave.
Despite the controversy, Perry’s label maintains that they adhered to all regulations associated with filming in the area and have the utmost respect for the location and officials tasked with protecting it. The statement from Universal Music emphasizes their compliance with filming regulations and their understanding of the importance of preserving protected natural areas like the Ses Salines Natural Park. The investigation into the filming of the music video will likely shed light on the procedures and permits required for filming in protected areas in Spain and the implications for artists and production companies looking to capture scenic locations for their content.
As the investigation continues, Katy Perry’s music video for “Lifetimes” has sparked a debate about the protection of natural environments and the responsibilities of artists and production companies when filming in sensitive areas. The controversy surrounding the unauthorized filming on protected dunes in the Balearic Islands serves as a cautionary tale for future productions looking to capture the beauty of Spain’s natural landscapes without causing harm to the environment. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any penalties or consequences will be imposed on the production company and individuals involved in the filming of the music video on the protected dunes of S’Espalmador.
