Katy Perry’s presentation of her new album 143 is not going well. After it was announced that the disgraced Dr. Luke would take over production of the album, the first single “Woman’s World” offered no redemption, falling off the Hot 100 at number 63 just a week after its debut. Now the second single “Lifetimes” has been released, which is a little more interesting sonically but has also been overshadowed by controversy.
Perry shot the music video for “Lifetimes” in Spain’s Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza. Local news outlets report that the Balearic government’s environmental agency has launched an investigation to determine whether the video shoot had a negative ecological impact on the area, namely the protected sand dunes on s’Espalmador, a tiny private island. The agency says Perry did not have permission to film on s’Espalmador — her production company reportedly did not even apply for a permit — and in the video she can be seen riding along the beach on a motorbike and lounging in several different boats. S’Espalmador is a very well-preserved island and has “great ecological value,” according to the Balearic Islands tourism website. And it’s less than a square mile, so the impact of all those little engines in and around the water quickly adds up.
The investigation is still in its early stages. After that, the Balearic government can decide whether to press charges or impose sanctions against Perry and her production team. I guess you’re not always so lucky when you live in a world where women live.
