Officials in Spain are investigating singer Katy Perry, for allegedly filming a music video in ecologically-sensitive dunes in the Balearic Islands without permission.
The video for her latest single Lifestimes shows the singer enjoying beaches and partying in clubs on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.
Scenes believed to have been filmed in the middle of the protected dunes on the isle of S’Espalmador in Formentera have raised concern.
A statement from the Spanish government alleged that the production company responsible for the video had not sought permission. Katy Perry has not commented.
Officials stressed that Katy Perry was not under investigation for what it called “crimes against the environment”, as filming can be authorised in the area.
The environment department of the Balearic Islands issued a press release on Tuesday, claiming that the video’s production company did not secure the necessary authorisation before filming.
As a result, their release said, “preliminary investigation actions have been initiated”.
The department drew attention to one section of the Natural Resources Management Plan, which states that “photographic, cinematographic or videographic” reports for an “advertising or commercial exhibition purpose” requires express authorisation of the ministry for the environment.
The video for Lifetimes includes shots of the dune system of S’Espalmador, one of the most ecologically rich areas of Formentera.
S’Espalmador is an is an uninhibited islet located to the north of Formentera, and is approximately 1.8 miles long.
It has been part of the Ses Salines de Ibiza and Formentera natural park since 1980.
The dunes on the small, privately owned island are of “great ecological value”, according to the regional government’s tourism website.
