Emily Ratajkowski has sparked a heated debate with a vitriolic statement regarding the recent space trip organized by Blue Origin, which included famed singer Katy Perry among the participants. The American model and actress has not hidden her disgust at what she considers hypocrisy, pointing the finger at those who professed concern for the planet but then participate in a project funded and carried out by a company accused of contributing greatly to global pollution. Her words, delivered with a frankness that leaves no room for interpretation, focused on an increasingly controversial topic: the role of large corporations in space tourism and its environmental impact.
“You care about the planet, but you board a spaceship built and financed by a company that is single-handedly destroying it? […] They are literally disgusted!” Ratajkowski said in an interview with an international magazine. Her comment directly refers to the Flight of Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, which took Katy Perry and other passengers on a suborbital journey on April 10, 2025. Il Volo, hailed as a step forward in space tourism, has been criticized by various environmentalists, who see these missions as an unapproved luxury that contributes to the expansion of the environment.
Blue Origin, along with other companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been at the center of disputes over the ecological impact of its activities. Rockets used for space travel emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change at a time when the planet is already facing unprecedented environmental crises. Furthermore, the production of these rockets requires significant natural resources, often extracted in unsustainable ways. Environmentalists have repeatedly denounced how these missions, often presented as a symbol of human progress, are actually an example of waste and a lack of interest in ecological issues.
Katy Perry, who shared her enthusiasm for the experience on social media, describing it as “a dream come true,” probably didn’t expect such a fierce reaction. The singer, who has spoken out in the past for environmental causes, has become the primary target of Ratajkowski’s criticism. The latter didn’t hesitate to question Perry’s consistency, accusing her of hypocrisy for agreeing to participate in a trip that, according to her, contradicts the values the singer claims to support. “You can’t say you want to save the planet and then do such a thing. It’s absurd,” Ratajkowski added, fueling a debate that quickly spread online.
The public reaction was mixed. On the one hand, many of Ratajkowski’s fans applauded her courage in publicly speaking out against an issue that is often ignored in the name of technological progress. On platforms like X, several users shared their views, emphasizing how celebrities should set a good example, especially on crucial issues like sustainability. “Finally someone who calls it like it is! Enough with these useless missions destroying the planet,” wrote one user, receiving thousands of likes. However, others defended Katy Perry, claiming that her journey was a personal experience and shouldn’t be judged as difficult. “Katy has the right to live her dreams. She’s not the one driving the blue origin,” responded another fan.
The controversy has also rekindled debate about the role of large technology companies and their founders, such as Jeff Bezos, in promoting space tourism without adequately addressing the environmental consequences. Blue Origin has attempted to defend itself, stating in a press release that it is working to make its flights more sustainable and that space travel represents an investment in humanity’s future. However, these statements have not convinced everyone, and criticism continues to rain down on the company.
Meanwhile, Katy Perry has yet to directly respond to Ratajkowski’s accusations, but sources close to the singer say she remained shocked and hurt by the model’s remarks. Perry, who has always sought to maintain a positive and socially engaged image, may soon release a statement clarifying her position. Some hypothesize that she could use this opportunity to further raise awareness on the issue of sustainability, perhaps by announcing a concrete commitment to offset the environmental impact of her trip.
This story has highlighted an increasingly evident contradiction in the modern world: the tension between the desire to explore new frontiers and the need to protect the planet. Ratajkowski’s words, though harsh, had the merit of drawing attention to a real problem, forcing both celebrities and companies to reflect on their responsibilities. While space tourism continues to grow, the debate over the environmental impact of these missions doesn’t seem destined to die down anytime soon, and the comparison between supporters and critics is destined to continue.
