Pop star Katy Perry has finally addressed the wave of criticism she’s faced since her 11-minute journey to space with Blue Origin last month. In a heartfelt Instagram comment to fans, Perry described feeling “battered and bruised” while characterizing online critics as “unhinged and unhealed.” The controversial space trip, which reportedly emitted the equivalent of 200 times an average person’s annual carbon footprint, has sparked debate among environmentalists, celebrities, and fans alike.
The 11-minute trip that launched a thousand memes
On April 14, Perry joined the first all-female crew to travel to space since Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s 1963 solo mission. Aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, the singer was accompanied by journalist Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez (Bezos’ fiancée), former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
What was meant to be a historic celebration of women in science quickly became controversial when footage showed Perry kissing the ground dramatically upon landing and promoting her upcoming “Lifetimes” tour while floating in zero gravity. The brief journey, lasting just over 10 minutes from takeoff to landing, drew immediate backlash on social media.
Critics didn’t hold back, with model Emily Ratajkowski calling the trip “end-time shit” and “beyond parody.” Even fast-food chain Wendy’s joined in, asking if Perry could be “sent back” to space. Several other celebrities including Olivia Wilde, Olivia Munn, and Amy Schumer also publicly criticized the venture.
The environmental controversy
Blue Origin has claimed its rockets release “only water and water vapor,” but scientists have sharply disputed this assertion. According to environmental experts, the space journey generated approximately 429 tons of carbon dioxide—roughly 200 times the annual carbon budget of an average person.
A BBC journalist noted that a chemist explained to her that “anything that combusts at a high temperature converts the nitrogen, which is already present in the atmosphere, into nitrogen oxide gases that damage the ozone layer.” Scientists have also pointed out that water vapor itself is a greenhouse gas that doesn’t naturally belong in the upper atmosphere.
The environmental criticism hit particularly hard given Perry’s previous advocacy work, including appearing in a 2015 UNICEF video discussing the effects of climate change on disadvantaged communities.
Celebrity space tourism: A growing trend
Perry’s flight is part of a growing trend of celebrity space tourism, with Blue Origin having already sent “Star Trek” actor William Shatner and others on similar brief journeys. These trips don’t come cheap—tickets reportedly cost upward of $1 million per person.
The backlash against Perry’s space venture echoes similar criticism faced by other celebrities for environmentally questionable choices, such as Taylor Swift’s frequent private jet usage. However, some observers have pointed out that Perry’s 11-minute space flight may have generated more emissions than Swift’s entire Eras Tour.
Perry’s defiant response
After weeks of mockery and criticism, Perry finally addressed the situation in a lengthy comment on an Instagram fan page celebrating her tour. While not directly mentioning the space trip, her words clearly referenced the backlash she’s been facing.
“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,” Perry wrote.
She continued by thanking her fans and acknowledging the personal growth she’s experienced through therapy: “Please know I am ok, I have done a lot work around knowing who I am, what is real and what is important to me. My therapist said something years ago that has been a game changer, ‘no one can make you believe something about yourself that you don’t already believe about yourself.'”
The tour must go on
Despite the controversy, Perry is forging ahead with her “Lifetimes” tour, which began in Mexico City on April 23. During her opening performance, she appeared to reference the space trip criticism, asking the audience: “Has anyone ever called your dreams crazy?”
However, the tour has faced its own setbacks, with Perry recently announcing the cancellation of two shows in Guadalajara, Mexico, scheduled for May 1 and 2, due to incomplete venue construction.
Mixed reactions from fans and critics
Reactions to Perry’s response have been mixed. Her dedicated fanbase, the “KatyCats,” have rallied around her with supportive messages online. One fan even funded a tribute billboard in New York City’s Times Square.
Critics, however, remain unconvinced by Perry’s explanation. Many have pointed out the disconnect between her environmental advocacy work and participation in space tourism. Others have characterized her response as tone-deaf during a time of economic hardship for many.
As one social media user commented: “On behalf of all women—I can confidently say that a rocket full of female billionaires going to space in full glam for 11 minutes while the earth is actively dying and everyone you know is struggling to pay their bills and scraping to survive is not inspiration.”
What’s next for the pop star?
Despite the controversy, Perry appears determined to move forward. In her Instagram comment, she wrote: “Sometimes I fall, but I get back up and continue to play this game of life, and through all the bumps and bruises I look for the light and that light unlocks another level.”
Whether the space trip backlash will have lasting effects on Perry’s career remains to be seen. Some industry observers suggest that this moment of controversy only proves her staying power as a celebrity who “still holds our gaze” even during career setbacks.
As Perry continues her global tour, she’ll likely face continued questions about her brief journey to space. But if her recent comments are any indication, she’s prepared to weather the storm and keep her eyes on “the light” ahead.
