TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pop singer Katy Perry became the target of sharp criticism after her journey to outer space with Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' space company, on Monday, April 14. During the 11-minute flight, Perry was accompanied by journalist Gayle King, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, and producers Kerianne Flynn and Lauren Sanchez, who is Jeff Bezos' fiancée.
Using the New Shepard rocket, they were taken to the edge of outer space, above the Karman line, the outer space boundary located at an altitude of 100 kilometers from the Earth's surface. Although she described the experience as life-changing, the public and celebrities have voiced sharp criticism.
Widespread Criticism Targets Katy Perry
According to the Daily Mail report, the California-based singer and her companions were perceived as insensitive for undertaking a journey deemed extravagant, fleeting, and largely symbolic. During the Blue Origin flight, Perry sang 'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong and showcased the setlist of her latest tour to the camera within the spacecraft's cabin.
Upon landing, Perry knelt and kissed the ground, expressing her elation at returning to Earth. However, this gesture was criticized by some members of the public as a form of disrespect towards NASA astronauts who have endured extended stays in outer space, some for over nine months, and are now confronting serious health issues.
Katy Perry and five others who accompanied her on the space journey. Photo: Instagram/Blue Origin.
As reported by The Mirror, model Emily Ratajkowski called it an end-time joke. She mocked the earth love narrative brought by the women, whereas the journey was funded by a company she deemed environmentally damaging. "Look at the state of the world and think about how many resources went into putting these women into space. For what? What was the marketing there?”
Singer Lily Allen also expressed her displeasure via Instagram, "Do we want to talk about Katy Perry and her mates all going up to space for 12 minutes? I mean, what the f****** hell is that all about? But in all seriousness: What? Why?" However, she later apologized for the statement.
Criticism extended beyond space travel to include Perry's stage performances in her latest tour. Fans mentioned that several of her stage acts were not entertaining. On social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X, Katy Perry remains the subject of jokes, memes, and stand-up comedy.
Katy Perry Speaks Up
The performer of 'Dark Horse' finally spoke up on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, through the comments section of a fan's post on Instagram. She wrote a lengthy comment on self-reflection and appreciation for her fans. "I love you guys and have grown up together with you and am so excited to see you all over the world this year!"
Perry emphasized that she is doing okay and mentioned that she has learned a lot about who she is and what is important in her life. She quoted her therapist's words that helped her to persevere, "No one can make you believe something about yourself if you don't already believe yourself," she expressed.
She then commented on the social media chatter about her space mission. Perry even described herself as a piñata, to portray someone who is constantly the target of criticism or mockery, like a piñata being continuously hit until it breaks.
"When the "online" world tries to make me a human Piñata, I take it with grace and send them love, cause I know so many people are hurting in so many ways and the internet is very much so a dumping ground for unhinged and unhealed," Katy Perry added.
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Editor's Choice: Katy Perry Kisses Earth After Historic All-Women Spaceflight with Bezos' Blue Origin
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