Pop icon Katy Perry has spoken out after facing a wave of online backlash for participating in a brief space flight with Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin. The 40-year-old “California Gurls” singer described herself as a “human piñata” amid intense public scrutiny and criticism from fellow celebrities.
Katy Perry’s 11-Minute Sub-Orbital Journey
Earlier this month, Perry joined a high-profile group — including Jeff Bezos’s partner Lauren Sánchez, journalist Gayle King, astronaut Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn — on a short yet headline-grabbing trip to sub-orbital space. The mission, orchestrated by Blue Origin, lasted just 11 minutes but sparked outrage across social media and beyond.
While Perry and her fellow passengers called the flight “life-changing,” not everyone agreed. Several public figures and internet users quickly accused the pop star and others on board of being “tone-deaf” in the face of global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
Backlash From Celebrities and Fans
Celebrities including Lily Allen and Emily Ratajkowski didn’t hold back in their criticism. Allen, who later apologized, remarked:
“Do we want to talk about Katy Perry and her mates going up to space for 12 minutes? I mean, what the f*** is that all about?”
Ratajkowski was even more direct, saying:
“That space mission? That’s end-time s***… Saying you care about Mother Earth while going up in a spaceship paid for by a company damaging the planet? Disgusting.”
Fans, too, expressed disappointment. Many criticized Perry for her recent performances, describing them as “awkward” and “underwhelming”, with memes circulating widely online.
Katy Perry Breaks Silence: “I’m Okay”
In response to the backlash, Perry addressed fans in the comment section of an Instagram fan page. Her tone was heartfelt and reflective:
“We’re in this beautiful and wild journey together. I can remain true to myself, with an open heart, because of our bond.”
She continued,
“When the online world tries to make me a human piñata, I take it with grace and send them love. So many people are hurting, and the internet has become a dumping ground for the unhealed.”
The singer credited her therapist with helping her maintain perspective, sharing a life-changing quote:
“No one can make you believe something about yourself that you don’t already believe.”
A Message of Resilience and Healing
Despite the backlash, Perry emphasized her commitment to growth and connection:
“I’m not perfect. I’ve even removed that word from my vocabulary. I’m on a human journey, playing the game of life with an audience of many. Sometimes I fall, but I get back up and keep going.”
She closed with a note of optimism and gratitude for her fans:
“When I look into your eyes at shows and sing with you, I know we’re healing each other in small but meaningful ways.”
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