Katy Perry video investigated by Spain for possible damage to dunes

Spanish officials have opened an investigation into the production company behind Katy Perry’s latest music video for filming in the protected dunes of the Balearic Islands without permission.

The video directed by Stillz for Perry’s new single Lives from her sixth studio album 143 It shows the singer partying and clubbing on the Mediterranean islands, but Spanish authorities released a statement on Tuesday saying permission had not been sought to film on the environmentally sensitive land on Formentera’s S’Espalmado island.

Officials are looking into possible damage to the dunes, although Perry and the production crew are not at risk of prosecution for any “crimes against the environment” because the videos and photos “can be authorized” upon request.

The ministry in charge of the conservation of the area said that “in no case did the production company seek permission from the ministry to carry out the filming” and that is why a preliminary investigation was launched.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to the video’s production company, WeOwnTheCity, as well as Perry’s reps for comment.

The pop star released two singles from 143 ahead of the September 20 release: Woman’s World and Lives. Both singles were not warmly received by critics and fans of the singer, whose last album Smile reached no. 5 on the Billboard 200 in 2020.