Katy Perry’s New Music Video Investigated By Environmental Ministry

Katy Perry’s latest music video, which features her enjoying a beach setting, is under investigation for allegedly being filmed in a restricted area without the necessary permits.

In a press release written in Catalan, the Balearic Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday that it has initiated an investigation into the production of the “Lifetimes” music video.

The ministry claims that the production company did not secure the required authorization to film at Ses Salines Natural Park, located between Ibiza and Formentera, an area recognized for its sand dunes.

The ministry emphasized that this incident is not considered an environmental crime. Reports from The Guardian and Billboard indicate that the restricted area is marked off with ropes.

Capitol Records’ Response

A spokesperson for Capitol Records, Perry’s music label, provided a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday, explaining, “The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured. We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead.”

The statement further elaborated, “Our local crew on July 22 applied for a permit for this specific location with the Directorate-General For Coasts And Coastline. Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with the filming on July 27.”

The spokesperson also added, “We adhered to all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it.”

Release of “Lifetimes”: Music Video Details and Director

“Lifetimes,” released on August 8, is the second single from Perry’s forthcoming album “143,” following the release of the music video for “Woman’s World,” which faced widespread criticism.

In “Lifetimes,” a song Perry described as “a song about eternal love” inspired by her daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, the pop star is seen riding a motorcycle, dancing on a beach in a bikini, and partying on stage at a nightclub on one of the Spanish islands.

The video was directed by Stillz (Matias Vasquez), known for his work with artists like Bad Bunny, Lil Nas X, Coldplay, Rosalía, and Omar Apollo.

Upcoming Album Release, Backlash, And Defense

Perry, who recently ended her seven-season run as a judge on “American Idol,” is gearing up to release her first album since 2020’s “Smile.” “143” is scheduled to drop on September 20.

Following the backlash against the “Woman’s World” video last month, Perry defended the project as a parody in an Instagram Reel featuring behind-the-scenes footage. She captioned the post, “You can do anything! Even satire!”

In the video, Perry explained, “We’re kind of just having fun being a bit sarcastic with it. It’s very slapstick and very on the nose.”

She also mentioned that the video intentionally portrays her and the dancers as “not about the male gaze” while ironically overplaying it.

Perry has also faced criticism for collaborating with Dr. Luke on the song, given the sexual assault allegations made against him by Kesha, which he has denied. On Instagram, a user commented that working with Dr. Luke on the song “is truly disrespectful to Kesha and every woman in the world.”

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