Spanish officials have opened an investigation into the production company for Katy Perry‘s latest music video for filming in protected dunes of the Balearic Islands without permission.
The Stillz-directed video for Perry’s newly-released single Lifetimes from her sixth studio album 143 shows the singer partying and clubbing on the Mediterranean islands, but Spanish authorities released a statement on Tuesday saying authorization was not sought to film on the ecologically-sensitive land on the isle of S’Espalmado in Formentera.
Officials are looking into possible damage to the dunes, though Perry and the production team are not at risk of being persecuted for any “crime against the environment” because videos and photography “can be authorized” upon request.
The ministry in charge of conservation of the area said “in no case had the production company requested authorization from the ministry to carry out the filming” and that is why a preliminary investigation has been initiated.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out for comment to the production company of the video, WeOwnTheCity, as well as Perry’s reps.
The popstar has released two singles from 143 ahead of its Sept. 20 release: Woman’s World and Lifetimes. Both singles have not been received warmly by critics and fans of the singer, whose last album Smile peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard 200 in 2020.
