After facing backlash for mocking Katy Perry, Wendy’s doubles down on its stance and declines to issue an apology to critics online.
Wendy’s is facing criticism after mocking Katy Perry’s spaceflight.
The fast-food giant addressed the backlash, refusing to apologize for its controversial online comments.
Wendy’s jokes about Katy Perry’s space trip triggered public backlash and fan disappointment
Wendy’s caused a stir after making jokes about Katy Perry’s historic spaceflight. The spaceflight was part of the all-female Blue Origin NS-31 crew mission on Monday.
Pop culture page Pop Crave announced Perry’s return from space, prompting Wendy’s to reply, “Can we send her back,”. It sparked immediate online backlash.
Fans quickly reacted, labeling the comment offensive on social media,,
They suggested that Wendy’s was dismissive of Perry’s participation in a groundbreaking all-women spaceflight mission
Wendy’s continued to joke online.
The fast food chaind also referenced Perry’s famous lyrics beneath a photo of her kissing the ground upon landing, saying: “I kissed the ground and I liked it.”
Wendy’s defends its social media tone but declines to issue public apology
In a statement to People, Wendy’s acknowledged the backlash but maintained their stance.
They also emphasized that their reputation for playful and spicy social media banter.
“We always bring a little spice to our socials,” the statement read, “but Wendy’s has a ton of respect for Katy Perry and her out-of-this-world-talent.”
The company did not apologize, despite calls from fans and critics accusing the fast-food chain of crossing a line with its spaceflight commentary.
Critics argue Wendy’s mocked an inspiring and historic all-female Blue Origin crew
Insiders close to Perry criticized Wendy’s, saying the comments were not playful.
They argued that the remarks were deliberately belittling toward a major moment for women in space exploration.
“This wasn’t harmless banter, this was a billion-dollar brand using its platform to publicly demean a woman,” a source told People.
They added, “Wendy’s didn’t make a joke — they made a choice,” questioning the brand’s judgment in targeting Perry for ridicule online.
Blue Origin crewmate Lauren Sánchez echoed the sentiment, inviting Wendy’s to visit the facility and witness the dedication of the employees firsthand.
Prominent voices, including Olivia Munn and Olivia Wilde, slam the space mission’s purpose
While defending Katy Perry, some celebrities also criticized the Blue Origin mission itself.
They called it indulgent and tone-deaf during global economic challenges.
Actress Olivia Munn questioned the mission’s value during a Today With Jenna & Friends appearance.
She also suggested that that trip felt “gluttonous” amid rising financial inequality.
She argued the cost of space tourism could be better used elsewhere, saying, “There’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs.”
Olivia Wilde joined in on Instagram, posting a meme of Perry returning from space and sarcastically captioning it: “Billion dollars bought some good memes I guess.”
Blue Origin participants defend mission’s meaning and inspire next generation of girls
Despite criticism, crew member Gayle King spoke out in defense of the mission.
They also pointed that the positive response received from young women across the country.
“Anybody that’s criticizing it doesn’t really understand what is happening here,” the CBS journalist told People following the team’s safe return to Earth.
King said the spaceflight represents progress and visibility. She added that it serves as inspiration for future generations of girls interested in science, space, and leadership roles.
Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, and Kerianne Flynn also participated in the 11-minute space mission.
All of them made a historic achievement for female representation in aerospace exploration.