MADRID– In her new music video, Katy Perry poses as one of thousands of tourists having the time of their lives on Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. However, some scenes shot in a protected natural enclave could cause trouble.
The regional government is investigating the video for her latest song “Lifetimes” because of the clips in which the 39-year-old American singer and songwriter apparently jumps and runs without permission across the dunes of the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.
According to local media, the controversy was sparked by images taken in the dunes of the private island of S’Espalmador, “one of the most ecologically valuable places on the islands”, and in an area cordoned off to the public with poles and ropes.
Regional authorities have opened “preliminary investigation procedures” after the production company failed to apply for the relevant permits, according to a statement released on Tuesday. The filming did not constitute an environmental offence, as this type of production can be approved with a permit, the Ministry of Natural Environment added.
Her label, Universal Music, said the local video production company assured her that all necessary permits for the video had been obtained. When she learned that a permit was still being processed, “we received verbal approval to proceed one day before the shoot, which took place on July 27,” a spokesperson for the label said in an email to The Associated Press.
“We have followed all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it,” the statement said.
The video, directed by Colombian-American photographer and director Matías Vasquez, Stillz, shows Perry sailing, swimming or clubbing in the islands, one of the most popular and visited tourist spots in the Spanish Mediterranean, especially in summer.
Perry’s new album “143” will be released on September 20th.
