Katy Perry ‘Lifetimes’ controversy: Production company behind music video under investigation in Spain

Katy Perry’s pop comeback appears to have hit another speed bump.

The production company behind the music video for Perry’s latest single, “Lifetimes,” is under investigation in Spain for allegedly filming without proper authorization, according to an Aug. 13 press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment of the Balearic Islands.

Multiple outlets reported that part of the video was filmed at the dunes of the islet of S’Espalmador, an ecological area housing unique plants and animals within Ses Salines Natural Park, located between the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. However, the investigation is centered on the alleged lack of authorization to film in the area.

“The filming took place without authorization,” the ministry told Yahoo Entertainment in a statement, clarifying, “There is, in any case, no environmental crime.”

Esteban Zuluaga, who is credited as the video’s producer, told Yahoo Entertainment that the local production company in Ibiza, the Pedalier Films, requested the proper filming permit but “due to administrative delays, the permit was still in process by the time the filming took place.”

It’s still unclear whether the production company or Perry will face penalties or fines for filming without authorization.

🎥 The ‘Lifetimes’ video

Perry released the music video for “Lifetimes” on Aug. 8. It’s the second single, after “Woman’s World,” off her upcoming album, 143, which will be out Sept. 20. She stated the song is dedicated to her daughter, Daisy, with whom she shares with Orlando Bloom, and that it’s about “eternal love.”

Directed by Stillz and produced by the U.S.-based WeOwnTheCity, the video has received more than 2.6 million views on YouTube. On the day of its premiere, Perry took to Instagram to share images that appear to be outtakes from the shoot, captioning the post, “Sending love from Ibiza.”

Neither Stillz, WeOwnTheCity nor the singer’s representatives responded to Yahoo Entertainment’s requests for comment.

🌊 What happens in the video?

The music video shows Perry soaking in the beauty of Formentera’s beaches, sailing on a boat, diving into the crystal-clear waters and hitting the clubs in Ibiza. Early in the video (around :47), a rope is seen cordoning off a section of the beach, though its exact purpose is unclear.

🇪🇸 A protected region

S’Espalmador is a roughly 2-mile-long uninhabited island to the north of Formentera. It’s been part of the Ses Salines de Ibiza and Formentera natural park since 1980 and shelters 220 species of migratory birds, according to an Ibiza tourism website. It’s home to Posidonia, a seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean basin that’s been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1999.

All filming in the area “requires the express authorization of the competent ministry for the environment,” the Ministry said in its press release. Authorization is granted by the proper authorities, “including those pertaining to property rights,” it added.

The investigation into Perry’s video production is ongoing, the Ministry told Yahoo Entertainment, to determine possible violations.

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