Katy Perry Video Crew Got ‘Verbal Approval’ For ‘Lifetimes’ Video Shoot on Protected Spanish Beach

Katy Perry‘s record label has responded to reports claiming the singer did not secure the proper permits to film her “Lifetimes” video on an environmentally protected beach and sensitive dunes of the S’Espalmador area in Spain’s Balearic Islands.

“The local video production company assured us that all necessary permits for the video were secured,” a Capitol Records spokesperson told Billboard on Thursday (Aug. 15) in a statement following reports that an investigation has been opened to determine whether the filming caused environmental damage to the dunes. “We have since learned that one permit was in process, although we were given verbal authority to go ahead.”

The reaction came after the Environmental Department of the Balearic Islands in Spain said that while the shoot didn’t amount to a “crime against the environment,” it was looking into whether full clearance had been obtained for the shoot promoting the second single from Perry’s upcoming 143 album (Sept. 20); the department said that filming “can be authorized” for shoots there when run through proper channels.

In the clip for the bouncy dance song, Perry frolics in a thong bikini on a beach in the vacation destination, eats a boat-delivered meal in the ocean, parties in a club and jumps off the cliffs into the ocean. In a press release on Tuesday (Aug. 14), the Environmental Department of the Balearic Islands said that the production company behind the shoot did not request the proper authorization before filming the Stillz-directed video for the Dr. Luke-produced track.

The release from the department claimed that one of the scenes was filmed in the dunes of S’Espalmador in a prohibited area marked off by ropes.

“Our local crew on July 22 applied for a permit for this specific location with the Directorate-General for Coasts and Coastline,” the statement from the Capitol rep continued. “Our crew received verbal approval on July 26 to proceed with the filming on July 27. 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.”

“Lifetimes” is the second single from Perry’s first new album in four years, following on the heels of the lead track, “Woman’s World.”

Watch the “Lifetimes” video below.