Katy Perry music video prompts investigation for filming near protected sand dunes

The production company behind Katy Perry's newest music video is under investigation for allegedly filming without permission in ecologically sensitive sand dunes on the Balearic Islands off eastern Spain.

The video for Perry's latest single, Lifetimes, from her upcoming album 143, was released on Aug. 8 and features scenes of the star enjoying the sun, dancing in the sand and partying in Ibiza and Formentera.

But scenes believed to be filmed in the middle of protected sand dunes have gotten her team into trouble.

That's because the dunes, part of the S'Espalmador dune system in the Natural Park of Ses Salines, are among the most ecologically sensitive areas in the Balearic Islands.

WATCH | Katy Perry's Lifetimes music video:

A press release issued by the Environment Department of the Balearic Islands alleges the production company behind the video did not get the necessary authorization from the ministry before filming. 

It notes that "in no case had the production company requested authorization from the Ministry to carry out the filming, and that is why preliminary investigation actions have been initiated."

Spain's government clarifies that Perry is not under investigation for environmental crimes and that filming can be authorized in the area. But because it's private land, you need advance authorization to film there.

The department cites the Natural Resources Management Plan, which mandates that filming of any kind with an advertising or commercial purpose requires express authorization of the ministry.