A crestfallen Katy Perry has reassured fans she’s doing “ok” following the torrent of online abuse she’s copped in the wake of Blue Origin’s all-female space flight which launched on April 14.
A crestfallen Katy Perry has reassured her fans that she is doing “ok” following a torrent of online abuse in the wake of Blue Origin’s all-female space flight, which launched on April 14. The pop star became an instant meme after footage showed her kissing the ground upon her return to Earth after the 11-minute voyage.
Joining Perry on the flight were TV personality Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, journalist Lauren Sanchez, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, and research scientist Amanda Nguyen. Despite the shared experience, Perry received a disproportionate amount of vitriol compared to her fellow passengers.
Blue Origin, founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, marked its 31st mission to space with this flight, including its 11th human space flight for the New Shepard program. During the journey, Perry sang Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” a performance reportedly welcomed by her co-passengers.
Katy Perry’s Response to Online Criticism
Facing a pile-on from the online community and even other celebrities, the 40-year-old singer addressed her followers in a heartfelt message on an Instagram fan page weeks after the journey. “I’m so grateful for you guys. We’re in this beautiful and wild journey together,” she expressed, emphasizing her gratitude and connection with her fans.
Perry continued, “Please know I am ok, I have done a lot of work around knowing who I am, what is real and what is important to me.” Her message was a testament to her resilience in the face of criticism, highlighting her personal growth and self-awareness.
“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.”
Controversies and Public Perception
Perry’s participation in the space flight was not the only source of controversy. Her continued collaboration with record producer Dr. Luke, who faced accusations of misconduct, has also sparked outrage. Dr. Luke produced several of Perry’s hits, including “I Kissed A Girl” and “California Gurls.”
Despite the backlash, Perry remains steadfast, sharing a piece of advice from her therapist:
“No one can make you believe something about yourself that you don’t already believe about yourself.”
This mindset has helped her navigate public scrutiny with grace.
Amid criticism of her 2024 album release, “143,” Perry reminded fans of her appreciation for their support. “What’s real is seeing your faces every night, singing in unison, reading your notes, feeling your warmth,” she said, underscoring the genuine connection she feels with her audience.
Celebrity Reactions and Public Apologies
While the space voyage was intended to be a milestone for women and science, it faced criticism as a capitalist stunt. Celebrities like Olivia Munn and Olivia Wilde expressed their dismay, with Munn calling it “gluttonous” and Wilde quipping about the memes it generated.
However, British singer Lily Allen publicly retracted her negative remarks about Perry. On her BBC podcast “Miss Me?” Allen admitted that her comments were unnecessary and stemmed from internalized misogyny. “I mean, I disagree with what it was that they did, but she wasn’t the only person that did it,” Allen reflected.
Looking Forward: Perry’s Next Steps
Despite the controversies, Perry continues to move forward, rejoining her “The Lifetimes Tour” in Mexico, which will keep her touring globally until December. This marks her first tour in seven years, with plans for 84 concerts worldwide.
Perry’s journey, both personal and professional, illustrates her resilience and commitment to her craft and her fans. As she continues to navigate the challenges of public life, her focus remains on the positive connections she fosters through her music.
