Katy Perry’s New Music Video Under Investigation
The government of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain, is investigating Katy Perry’s new music video. WeOwnTheCity, the production company behind the video, allegedly failed to obtain authorization to film in a protected area.
The pop star filmed the video for “Lifetimes,” the second single off her upcoming album 143, on S’Espalmador, a small island north of Formentera. At first glance, the music video is standard. Perry is shown cliff-jumping into the sea, dancing, and having fun—embodying the single well.
However, according to The New York Times, the Balearic Islands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment has opened an investigation into the filming in the Ses Salines Natural Park.
Ses Salines is a natural reserve consisting of marshes, sparkling salt pans, and pine-cloaked coastal cliffs. It proudly holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage and is considered a prime example of the coexistence of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Part of the “Swish Swish” singer’s video was supposedly filmed within the protected dunes of the Ses Salines Natural Park. Tourism authorities consider the area of high ecological importance due to the living organisms that comprise it.
On the contrary, Perry’s music label, Capitol Records, told USA TODAY, “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.”
Earlier this week, there was talk that the investigation included possible environmental damage. But rest assured, the government agency confirmed that that isn’t the case. Filming is permitted with proper authorization.
This isn’t the first time that Perry has been criticized for a music video. Last month, the singer received backlash for her Woman’s World music video.
womans world music video did have a budget but it was just bad pic.twitter.com/TKRrXFswkH
— harley (@mynameiskatycat) July 29, 2024
I think the males behind that awful woman’s world video wanted to make Katy Perry and feminism/woman’s empowerment itself to look stupid.
— #1 Bear Fan (@Radfemfuture) July 13, 2024
The song is catchy af.. not a fan of the video though .. it’s a woman’s world video was made from a man’s wet dream I feel like
— britt ~the tortured poets dept (@whosurcatty) July 12, 2024
Perry responded to the backlash via an Instagram post featuring behind-the-scenes music video footage. The post stated, “YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! EVEN SATIRE!” She hasn’t responded to the most recent criticism concerning “Lifetimes.”
Perry’s upcoming album, 143, will be released on September 20.
