Katy Perry's video shoot under investigation in Balearic Islands for environmental damage

The government of the Spanish Balearic Islands stated that they are investigating how Katy Perry's music video for the song "Lifetimes" was shot on a small, legally protected island without the necessary permits. The video, published on 8 August, included shots of the S'Espalmador dune system, one of the most ecologically valuable areas of Formentera island. On 13 August, the Balearic Environmental Department issued a press release announcing the start of an investigation into the matter.

In a statement, the Balearic authorities emphasised that the company producing the music video did not obtain the appropriate permit before filming. A spokesperson for Katy Perry's label, Unsub Records, said to the newspaper "Metro" that: "The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured." He added, however: "We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead."

The "Lifetimes" music video follows Perry as she boards a ferry to the Spanish island wearing a T-shirt with the words Eurotrash, where she dances in a leopard-print bikini on sandy dunes by the beach and then heads to a "local club". S'Espalmador is an uninhabited islet located north of Formentera, with a length of just under 3.2 kilometres. Since 1980, it has been part of the natural park Ses Salines de Ibiza and Formentera.

"Lifetimes" is the second single from Katy Perry's new album "143", set to be released on 20 September. The first single from the album, "Women's World", also sparked controversy. Promoted as having a "feminist" message, the song and video surprised both music critics and the general public with a lack of sensitivity. A reviewer from "The Guardian" gave it one star and commented: "It’s a song that made me feel stupider every sorry time I listened to it." "Dazed" magazine summarised: "'Woman's World' feels about as empowering as an advert for Vagisill." Vagisil is a line of intimate hygiene products often criticised for promoting scented lines.

Earlier, Katy Perry also faced criticism when it was revealed that Dr Luke was working on her new album. Music producer Lukasz Gottwald "Dr. Luke" was accused in 2014 of long-term sexual abuse by singer Kesha. Even Perry's loyal fans found it difficult to understand this collaboration in light of the singer's message about the album: "The first contribution I have given since becoming a mother and since feeling really connected to my feminine divine."