Katy Perry defended her controversial space flight on the first night of her “Lifetimes Tour” in Mexico City on Wednesday in an attempt to shut criticism down.
The “Thinking Of You” singer (40) recently made headlines for a journey that was, quite literally, out of this world. On April 14, Katy Perry boarded Blue Origin’s NS-31 suborbital flight, joining an all-female crew for a just over 11 minute trip to space.
While its organizers deem it as a historic moment for women in space, the mission has sparked a heated debate over wealth, environmental impact, and performative activism.
Perry, being the most famous face aboard, has become the main target of criticism, with thousands of people pointing out how tone-deaf the ordeal was giving the current political and economical state of the world.
A Star Among The Stars
The mission was set in motion by Blue Origin, an American space technology company founded in the year 2000 by Jeff Bezos with the vision of enabling a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.
It was framed as a celebration of women breaking barriers in science and exploration—Perry was cast as the face of what they claim will be a new era: the era of space tourism.
Before launch, the musician shared her excitement on social media, posting photos in her custom-made flight suit and referencing her lifelong fascination with space.
“Ever since I was a kid staring at the stars, I dreamed of this moment,” she wrote on Instagram. “Today, I fly not just for myself but for every little girl who dares to dream big.”
The singer also stated that her four-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove, was a primary motivation for the journey, saying she wanted to show her that “there are no limits to what women can achieve.”
Angry Backlash
Not everyone saw Perry’s spaceflight as an empowering milestone. Critics were quick to point out the astronomical cost of the trip—reportedly around $28 million per seat—and questioned its relevance in a world wrestling with war, inequality and climate change.
Environmental activists raised concerns over the carbon footprint of private space flights, while others criticized the mission’s shallow framing as a “feminist” achievement.
“A multi-millionaire flying into space for 10 minutes and calling it women’s empowerment is peak performative activism,” tweeted one critic.
Several publications echoed that sentiment, while others questioned the scientific value of the mission, noting that little to no research was conducted during the flight.
Perry Embraces The Controversy
After facing soaring backlash, Perry addressed the controversy during a press stop for her “Lifetimes” world tour, which kicked off just days after her return to Earth.
“I understand the criticism, and I don’t take it lightly,” she said. “But this was something deeply personal. I’ve dreamed of space since I was a child, and I wanted to show my daughter that we don’t have to be confined by what’s expected of us.”
She went on to defend the trip’s symbolism, saying, “It’s not just about the stars in the sky—it’s about reaching for something more, and that’s what I’ve always tried to do through my music, my philanthropy, and now, through this experience.”
Her tour launched just yesterday in Mexico City with elaborate, space-inspired visuals—including costumes modeled after her Blue Origin flight suit. The show opened with a video montage of her takeoff, followed by a performance of her 2010 hit “E.T.” reimagined with cosmic visuals and holograms.
Appearing to address the critics, she posed the question to the audience: “Has anyone ever called your dreams crazy?”
A Larger Debate
Perry’s journey has reignited a broader conversation about the ethics of space tourism, particularly when pioneered by billionaires and celebrities. While some see it as an exciting frontier, others view it as a distraction from urgent global issues.
