Spain investigates unlicensed Katy Perry music video in protected nature area

MADRID (Reuters) – In her latest music video, Katy Perry pretends to be one of thousands of holidaymakers enjoying themselves in Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. But some parts of the filming, filmed in a protected natural area, could cause problems.

The regional government is investigating a video for her latest single, “Lifetimes,” over clips in which the 39-year-old American singer-songwriter is seen jumping and running across sand dunes in the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, apparently without permission.

The photos, taken on the sand dunes of the private island of Cispalmador, “one of the most ecologically valuable sites on the islands” and in an area closed off from the public with sticks and ropes, have sparked controversy, according to local media.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, regional authorities have opened “preliminary investigation procedures” after the production company failed to apply for the appropriate permits. The Department of Natural Environment added that the filming would not have constituted an environmental violation, as this type of production can be licensed with a permit.

Her video production company, Universal Music, said a local video production company assured her that all necessary permits for the video had been obtained. When the company learned that one permit was still being processed, “we were given verbal permission to proceed” the day before filming, which took place on July 27, a company spokesman told The Associated Press in an email.

“We have complied with all regulations regarding filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this site and the officials responsible for protecting it,” the statement said.

The video, directed by Colombian-American photographer and director Matias Vazquez Stills, shows Perry sailing, swimming or clubbing on the islands, one of the most popular and crowded tourist resorts in the Spanish Mediterranean, especially during the summer.

Perry’s new album, “143,” is set to be released on September 20.