On social media, many viewers were stunned after Katy Perry was stung by a snarky Wendy’s comment about her space flight, calling it ‘targeted hostility’.
Katy Perry’s emotional space journey with Blue Origin turned controversial after fast-food brand Wendy’s mocked her return. It prompted a strong reaction from sources close to the singer.
Wendy’s social media jab against Katy Perry ignites outrage
Pop star Katy Perry was left hurt following a sarcastic comment from fast-food chain Wendy’s. The remark came after her historic space flight with Blue Origin earlier this week.
The controversy erupted when Wendy’s replied to a post on X that read “Katy Perry has returned from space” with the snide response, “Can we send her back?”
A source close to Perry told Page Six, “This wasn’t harmless banter. It crossed the line from humor into targeted hostility and public shaming of a woman doing something different.”
Source says billion-dollar brand should not promote online bullying
The insider criticized Wendy’s, calling the post ‘blatantly inappropriate.’ The remark was seen as especially problematic coming from a brand that features a young girl as its iconic mascot.
“When billion-dollar brands use their platforms to belittle women, it isn’t witty — it’s irresponsible,” the source said.
“They’re feeding online bullying, not clever conversation.”
The source added that Katy Perry deserved respect, not mockery, for stepping out of her comfort zone and embarking on a journey that inspired many, especially young girls.
Katy Perry joined Blue Origin’s all-female flight With Sánchez and King
Perry, 40, joined Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, CBS host Gayle King, and others on a Blue Origin space mission that lasted just over 11 minutes.
The team crossed the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, and experienced weightlessness before returning to Earth. It was a short but emotional journey.
Perry held a daisy in honor of her daughter, Daisy Dove, during the flight. She floated through zero gravity singing ‘What a Wonderful World,’ capturing a deeply personal moment of joy
Celevrities criticize Perry’s publicity stunt during her landing
The singer faced harsh criticism online for sharing a butterfly-shaped promo note and kissing the ground after landing — a gesture called “dramatic” by critics.
Model Emily Ratajkowski called the mission “beyond parody.” Olivia Munn described it as “gluttonous,” while Olivia Wilde sarcastically remarked, “Billion dollars bought some good memes I guess.”
Following the backlash, singer Kesha added fuel to the fire.
She posted a grinning selfie with a Wendy’s milkshake — seemingly siding with the mocking fast-food chain.
Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez Defend Space Flight Mission and Impact
Gayle King addressed the criticism, stating their journey followed the same flight path as astronaut Alan Shepard’s — and should be recognized as a “flight,” not a “ride.”
“It was a journey,” King said. “There was nothing frivolous about what we did. It was meant to inspire girls, and that should not be ignored.”
She explained that she was initially skeptical of Blue Origin’s mission.
However, she eventually came to support the idea of transferring waste into space as a way to help preserve Earth.
Additionallym Lauren Sánchez defended her fellow astronauts and the team behind the flight. “This mission means everything to the thousands of employees who work with heart and soul,” she said.
Sánchez invited critics to witness the effort and dedication firsthand. “They love their work. They love the mission. It’s a big deal for them,” she added.