An “illegal” party organized by DJ and music producer Diplo on the island of Ibiza has led to an official investigation by Spanish police, according to IB3.
On Monday, Diplo performed for a crowd at the viewpoint of Es Vedrà, a stunning protected nature reserve. Videos of the event, shared widely on social media, prompted the City Council and Policía Local de Sant Josep to announce an investigation into the unauthorized gathering
Diplo and other organizers of the event could face fines up to €300,000, as reported by IB3.
The Ibiza Leisure Association released a statement condemning the party held in the sensitive Ibizan cove, a “very sensitive area of the island” that is part of the European Environment Agency’s protected areas network, Natura 2000. The association highlighted the importance of preserving this protected region, which Diplo reportedly promoted through his social media channels.
“The space where this event was held is a Protected Area by the European Union through the Natura 2000 Network, in addition to a Natural Area of Special Interest, among other figures of environmental protection,” reads a press release issued by the Sant Josep City Council. “A vulnerable area in which this type of illegal activities promote the risk of fires, noise problems, waste, etc., and, of course, endanger the integrity of the people attending.”
Local environmental groups, such as Amics de la Terra, have also voiced their disapproval of the event on social media, emphasizing the potential harm to the delicate ecosystem.
The Sant Josep City Council and the town’s mayor, Vicente Roig, are now investigating “possible crimes that may have been incurred in order to act accordingly.” The investigation aims to determine whether Diplo had received any authorization from local authorities to host the party. At the time of this writing, no formal charges have been filed against Diplo.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the entertainment industry and environmental protection efforts on the island of Ibiza. While the island is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and music scene, it is also home to numerous protected natural areas that require strict conservation measures.
As the investigation continues, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar events are managed in the future, balancing the island’s cultural appeal with the necessity of environmental stewardship.
Read this next: UK DJ Introduces Premium Charges for Overplayed Song Requests
