Katy Perry’s label has responded to reports that the pop star is being investigated for possible environmental damage that may have occurred during the “unauthorized” filming of the “Lifetimes” video.
The sun-kissed visuals for Perry’s latest single were released last week and show her on the beach before heading to a club in Ibiza. Elsewhere in the clip, the singer revealed the tracklist for her upcoming new album, ‘143,’ on a billboard.
- Read more: Katy Perry: All singles ranked by size
It was later alleged that the video – directed by Stillz, a frequent collaborator with Bad Bunny – featured unauthorized filming in Spain’s Balearic Islands. An investigation was launched.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment of the Balearic Islands said in a statement that the production company behind the “Lifetimes” videos had failed to “obtain authorisation from the regional ministry for filming”.
“For this reason, preliminary investigative measures have been initiated,” it said.
Nevertheless, the statement went on to say that Perry’s actions were not a “crime against the environment” but rather an administrative offence. However, general photography and filming could be “approved” at this location.
A spokesman for Perry’s label Capitol Records has now responded in a statement that is available The Independent“The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were in place,” they said.
“We have since learned that a permit was in process, although we had received verbal permission to proceed. Our local crew applied for a permit for this particular site from the General Directorate of Coasts and Coastlines on July 22.”
They continued: “Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with filming on July 27. We have complied with all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it.”
“Lifetimes” – which was inspired by Perry’s daughter Daisy – is currently at number 56 on the latest UK singles chart.
The release of the singer’s album ‘143’ has been anything but smooth. Last month, the music video for the first single ‘Woman’s World’ was widely criticised for catering to the male perspective rather than challenging it, which is arguably the intention of the lyrics, which refer to female empowerment.
However, Perry later retorted the allegations, saying the video was intended as satire. The song in question peaked at number 47 in the UK and number 63 in the US.
She also faced harsh criticism when it was revealed that she had collaborated with Dr. Luke again for her next album. Kesha accused the producer of emotional abuse and sexual harassment in a lawsuit that has been ongoing for ten years.
Kesha tweeted “lol” after Perry’s latest collaboration was released, and fans believed the post was a reaction to the track. Earlier this month, Kesha appeared to insult Perry during her performance at Lollapalooza 2024.
Perry will release the “bold and boisterous” album 143 on September 20 – you can pre-order it here. Speaking about the record earlier this summer, she explained, “It’s a dance party and everyone’s invited.”
The track list for “143” by Katy Perry is:
1. “Women’s World”
2. “Gimme Gimme” featuring 21 Savage
3. “Gorgeous” with Kim Petras
4. “I belong to him, he belongs to me” feat. Doechii
5. “Swarm”
6. “Lifetimes”
7. “All the Love”
8. “Nirvana”
9. “Artificial” with JID
10. “Truth”
11. “Miracles”
Perry’s latest studio album, “Smile,” was released in 2020. NME reviewed the LP at the time and gave it two stars: “It’s frustrating, because this woman is behind some of the most entertaining – and best-selling – songs of all time.
“But as much as one might wish that “Smile” was a return to form, the songs on her fifth album are not captivating. All in all, “Smile” lacks the fireworks of Perry’s record years.”
In other news, Perry praised Charli XCX for her amazing “Brat” era. “I think she’s in her prime right now,” she said.
