Katy Perry has been fined €6,000 (approximately USD $7,000) by Spanish authorities after filming her music video Lifetimes in an area of Majorca where access is prohibited to protect sensitive habitats and wildlife.
The 40-year-old pop star traveled to the Balearic Islands last year to shoot the music video, which featured stunning shots of the island’s coastline and crystal-clear waters. Local officials say part of the production took place within the Cala Mondragó Natural Park — which is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) protected site known for its pristine beaches, rare wildlife, and fragile sand dune ecosystem.
Environmental groups in Majorca have expressed their frustration over the incident, calling it a "serious offense" and warning that instances like this, committed by high-profile productions and names, can undermine the many years of conservation efforts. "The rules are in place to protect these rare ecosystems," one local environmental advocate told reporters. "No one should be above them."
Authorities claim Perry's team failed to request the necessary authorization before filming in the area, meaning they breached strict environmental protection regulations. After the news initially broke about the incident, a spokesperson for Capitol Records said they believed they had necessary permits to film on the beach.
“The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured,” the representative told Variety. "We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead."
Along with the fine, Perry was ordered to remove any footage from the protected site that appears in the final cut of the video.
This controversy aside, "Lifetimes," which was the first single from her 2024 album 143, continues to generate conversation, with this incident adding to its media attention. The video has gained 14 million views online since its release in August 2024 and remains on YouTube, though it's unclear if an edited version will replace the current version. ~Erin Grace