Not everyone was a fan of yesterday’s historic — andcontroversial—space flight.
On April 14, Blue Origin’s all-female flight crew went to space as part of the New Shepard flight. The team consisted of film producer Kerianne Flynn, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, journalists Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez (who is also Jeff Bezos’ fiancée) and singer Katy Perry.
Friends and family of members of the crew showed up to celebrate the flight, including Sánchez palsKris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian, King’s bestieOprahand Perry’s daughterDaisy.
However, others back on the ground were not feeling celebratory about the trip: Wendy’s — yes, the fast-food chain — took aim directly at Perry, and not forrefusing to singher hit song “ET” while she was up there.
“Katy Perry has returned from space,”wrotePop Crave on X.
“Can we send her back,” Wendy’sreplied.
Reps for Perry did not immediately respond to TODAY.com’s request for comment.
Wendy’s didn’t stop at that jab either, writing several acerbic responses to posts about the flight, which all took aim at the “Teenage Dream” singer:
“I kissed the ground and i liked it”
“I can dissociate for a lot longer than 11 minutes”
“She realized there’s no biggie bags on the moon”
“I’m a woman send me to space”
“When we said women in stem this isn’t what we meant”
“Now she knows what it’s like to be a plastic bag floating in the wind”
Reactions to the chain’s unapologetic dragging of the 13-time Grammy nominee ranged from shock and disgust to enthusiastic support.
“big L,”wroteone X user. “wendy’s should be ashamed.”
“Whoever tweeted this should be FIRED,”addedanother.
“One of the best comments of all time. #1 Troll award 🥇,”postedsomeone else.
“Hahaha, I have to go buy some Wendy’s,”wroteone more. “This post alone has convinced me.”
When reached for comment, Wendy’s only had this to say: “We always bring a little spice to our socials, but Wendy’s has a ton of respect for Katy Perry and her out-of-this-world-talent.”
Hours after the burger chain went off on its Whopper of a tweetstorm, fellow pop star Kesha seemingly alluded to the convo on X byposting a photoof herself drinking from a Wendy’s cup.
Could it have to do with theDr. Luke drama? Reps for Kesha did not immediately respond to TODAY.com’s request for comment.
Everyday people, as well as celebrities likeOlivia WildeandEmily Ratajkowski, have beenquestioningthesustainability of the NewShepard flightand its impact on the planet.
On April 3, while co-hosting "TODAY with Jenna & Friends," actor Olivia Munn said, “There are so many other things that are so important in the world right now.”
“What’s the point?” she continued. “Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride? I think it’s a bit gluttonous. ... Space exploration was to further our knowledge and to help mankind. What are they going to do up there that has made it better for us down here?”
The crew took no time to respond to naysayers after they landed.
“I wish those who were criticizing the mission could read the messages in my inbox,” Bowesaidduring a press conference. “I am seeing boys and girls around the world say, ‘I’m inspired, and I see myself in this crew.’”
Joseph Lamour, TODAY
