Katy Perry’s Label Hits Back At Claims She Filmed Music Video On Protected Dunes

Katy Perry’s record label Capitol Records hit back at claims that the singer had filmed a music video on protected dunes on a Spanish Island, saying they were given approval prior to shooting.

Following an investigation by Spain authorities into the 39-year-old singer allegedly filming her video “Lifetimes” at the dunes of S’Espalmador without permission, her label said it had been told verbally it was fine a day before the shoot, NBC reported.

A rep for the record label said that the music video production company, WeOwnTheCity, “assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured.”

“We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead,” the spokesperson said. “Our local crew on July 22 applied for a permit for this specific location with the Directorate-General For Coasts And Coastline.”

“Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with the filming on July 27,” the label rep added. “We adhered to all regulations associated with filming in this area and have the utmost respect for this location and the officials tasked with protecting it.”

In the video, Perry can be seen dancing on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera and in nightclubs. Her video shoot was partially filmed on the island, which contains sand dunes that the Spanish government says have “great ecological value,” according to the BBC.

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On Tuesday, local government officials issued a press release saying the celebrity did not seek permission to film in that location. However, the crime would not be classified as “environmental infringement” because parties can be granted access to the area with prior authorization, as previously reported.

Katy Perry’s team responded to claims that the music video for “Lifetimes” was filmed on “ecologically sensitive sand dunes without permission.”https://t.co/N0PsaPwvs0

— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) August 15, 2024

A statement from Spanish officials said that they were reportedly investigating possible damage to the dunes.

A translation of the complaint said in part, “The filming of photographic reports, cinematographic, videographic or of any other kind that involve the taking of images in any medium and format with an advertising or commercial exhibition purpose, requires the express authorization of the competent ministry for the environment, without prejudice to other authorizations that can be granted by the corresponding authorities and bodies, including those pertaining to property rights.”

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This latest development comes just after fans and critics slammed Perry for her single “Woman’s World.” According to Time, the lyrics “appeared to be feminist on the surface,” but were “combined with a video that many believe catered to the male gaze.” The backlash prompted Perry to respond on social media, posting, “YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! EVEN SATIRE!”

Amanda Harding contributed to this piece.

Related: Katy Perry Under Investigation In Spain For Possibly Damaging Sand Dunes While Filming Music Video

Ferguson Cop Left In Critical Condition Shows Signs Of Improvement

Police officer Travis “T.J.” Brown, 36, who was allegedly tackled to the ground and left in critical condition last Friday by a demonstrator at a protest in Ferguson, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb, marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death, has shown signs of progress while he lies in a coma.

This is the authorized gofundme for Ferguson Officer Travis Brown who suffered a traumatic brain injury during protests that turned violent last Friday night. He has 2 beautiful daughters. Please consider helping. https://t.co/GFOkbYw6Bk pic.twitter.com/6DGlSBufBZ

— Jane Dueker (@JaneDueker) August 13, 2024

Officer Brown’s sister, Christina Bailey, wrote of her brother’s improved signs on a GoFundMe page devoted to the officer.

“I wanted to share an update on TJ’s journey,” Bailey wrote. “He has undergone several surgeries and procedures to address the swelling and fluid on his brain. In the past few days, we’ve witnessed a few small but significant signs of progress—three coughs, and slight movements in his leg and hand. These moments, though brief, filled us with hope and joy.”

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“Today, the doctors checked TJ’s brain activity, and the results were encouraging,” she continued. “While we’ve been told that the road to recovery will be long and challenging, we remain hopeful.”

The GoFundMe campaign for Brown has raised over $100,000 as of Thursday.

Officer Brown, a father of two, was knocked to the ground by a protester later identified as Elijah Gantt, 28. Brown was unconscious at the scene, and Gantt was still on top of him when other officers pulled him off and attempted to provide aid. “If you look at the video, the officer is standing up, waiting to catch this guy,” Police Chief Troy Doyle said Wednesday. “This guy tackled my guy like he’s a football player.”

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Former St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch said of Officer Brown:

I remember well when I was commissioning him and having given his oath of office, he had a family member pin his badge on. I just remember the big smile on his face, and I thought, “Boy, this guy’s got one of those contagious kind of smiles.” There’s a lot of raw emotion about whether or not he’s going to be able to beat this and survive. And if he does, is he going to ever be able to come back to work? He was very ambitious. It didn’t take him long to get into a specialized unit. He was in a couple.

Virginia Kruta contributed to this article.

RELATED: Ferguson Police Officer Fights For Life After Michael Brown Protest Devolves Into Riot