Katy Perry Under Investigation After Music Video Shoot

By Christopher Isaac | Published

Katy Perry continues to receive negative feedback regarding singles from her upcoming album, but it is once again not about the music. Previously, she was criticized for the video for “Woman’s World,” which was ostensibly meant to be a female empowerment anthem, but many found the video to be mocking and a parody of womanhood. And now, with her video for “Lifetimes,” she has upset the Environment Department of the Balearic Islands, who say she did not have permission to film there.

The Lifetimes Video Controversy

Katy Perry’s “Lifetimes” video features her frolicking in a variety of scenic locales and bustling nightlife areas. Unfortunately for the singer, it appears that the filming that was done in the dunes of S’Espalmador was something her team did not acquire authorization to do. The Environment Department of the Balearic Islands is currently investigating the incident to determine whether any environmental damage was caused by the shooting of Perry’s video.

Facing A Fine

It is unclear what the penalty could be for the incident, as the Environment Department of the Balearic Islands makes it clear that filming can indeed be authorized at the dunes of S’Espalmador, but that protocol simply was not followed in this case. It was made clear that what happened is regarded as an infraction rather than a “crime against the environment.” That statement makes it sound like Katy Perry’s team might simply face a fine.

Follows The Woman’s World Video

The video for “Lifetimes” is part of the hype for the release of Katy Perry’s new album, 143, on September 20. This will be her first album since 2020’s Smile. However, the controversy surrounding her videos so far has seemingly outweighed anticipation for the music.

Katy Perry reportedly offered to allow political presidential candidate Kamala Harris to use “Woman’s World” as her campaign anthem, but Harris’ team is said to have politely declined the offer. Response to the music video was largely negative, with many criticizing why a song about women’s empowerment would play into stereotypes of women in bikinis being fixated on their appearance rather than their accomplishments.

Lifetimes Is Getting More Backlash

“Lifetimes” is also receiving some backlash for Katy Perry utilizing Dr. Luke as a producer after his public scandal regarding accusations from Ke$ha about what she says she had to endure while working with him. Ke$ha says she also felt pressured to portray herself and her music with a party-girl aesthetic that she did not like having to depict and felt was harmful to her reputation and her being taken seriously.

Latest Album Off To A Rough Start

One would have to imagine that the response to both videos has not been what Katy Perry was hoping for. If her team has been monitoring the criticism so far, they will likely be very diligent in examining any potential concerns about any further videos so that additional bad press does not overshadow Perry’s music.

It remains to be seen what the penalty that the Environment Department of the Balearic Islands issues towards Katy Perry will be, if anything, beyond admonishment. As she looks ahead to the release of her other new songs, her newest album, 143, will be on sale on September 20.

Source: Billboard