Katy Perry’s recent space journey aboard Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket has ignited an intense backlash, leaving many questioning her sincerity and the authenticity of her “historic” experience.

The 11-minute flight, celebrated by Perry as transformative, is now being mocked online, criticized by influential figures, and dismissed by the FAA, raising serious questions about the real impact of celebrity space tourism.

The pop star joined Gail King and Lauren Sanchez—Bezos’s fiancée—for what was marketed as an empowering, groundbreaking trip to space. However, the reaction from the public and commentators like Joe Rogan has been less than enthusiastic.

Rogan didn’t hold back, describing Perry’s elaborate emotional reaction as a superficial performance that trivialized the genuine accomplishments of trained astronauts.

“It’s so cringey,” Rogan commented bluntly on his show, joined by comedian Tim Dillon. “She essentially took a roller coaster ride and acted like she survived Interstellar.”

The internet swiftly followed suit, flooding social media with memes mocking Perry’s dramatic gesture of kissing the ground upon her return as if she had survived an Apollo mission.

PR experts are now suggesting this could severely damage Perry’s already struggling career, which has seen declining popularity in recent years.

The flight, intended as a branding and image-enhancing moment, has instead become a public relations nightmare, drawing accusations of insincerity and detachment from reality.

The reaction from the FAA added fuel to the fire. Clarifying what constitutes an astronaut, the organization stated unequivocally that merely floating in a remotely controlled capsule does not qualify one for astronaut status.

“None of the people in this capsule could actually operate anything,” the FAA said, reinforcing criticisms that the experience was nothing more than luxury tourism.

Adding to the controversy, Perry claimed the trip profoundly changed her, comparing it in significance only to giving birth. Critics argue this exaggerated portrayal detracts from genuine achievements by women in STEM and space exploration.

Oprah Winfrey’s emotional reaction to the launch further added to public skepticism, seen by many as part of an orchestrated PR push rather than genuine emotional support.

Comedian Amy Schumer joined the mockery with a satirical post claiming she’d been randomly added to the mission, humorously highlighting the perceived triviality of the trip.

This resonated with audiences who viewed the entire expedition as a frivolous spectacle rather than a sincere, groundbreaking event.

Public outrage intensified over Perry’s comments that her space flight inspired women and girls, prompting skeptical reactions online. Many argued it was absurd for Perry to suggest her billionaire-funded trip was achievable for ordinary individuals. Users sarcastically tweeted, “Sure, if you’re friends with Jeff Bezos, anything is possible.”

Adding insult to injury, a resurfaced 2007 clip of Martha Stewart casually floating in zero-gravity without fanfare or self-aggrandizement starkly contrasted Perry’s dramatic performance. Stewart’s quiet elegance further exposed the performative nature of Perry’s experience, highlighting how genuine achievements require no embellishment.

Online reactions grew harsher, branding Perry’s adventure “elitist escapism.” People mocked the entire crew as “space tourists in Gucci,” and the phrase “astronaut girly friends” became an ironic meme used to ridicule any instance of superficial empowerment. Wendy’s official Twitter account summed up public sentiment succinctly, humorously suggesting Perry be sent back into space.

Lauren Sanchez’s statement, “We’re all in this together,” also became a flashpoint for criticism. Users pointed out the insensitivity of her comments, made from a position of immense privilege and wealth, disconnected from the struggles of everyday people grappling with economic pressures like rising food and fuel costs.

Critics labeled the mission “fulminism,” a blend of faux feminism and fantasy, where empowerment seems more like marketing than genuine advocacy. This narrative was further damaged by the lack of meaningful activity onboard the flight—no experiments, no scientific contributions, merely photo opportunities.

Ultimately, the public relations catastrophe has left Perry’s image in tatters, transforming what was meant as an iconic feminist moment into a widespread joke.

Rather than enhancing Perry’s brand or elevating her as an inspirational figure, the Blue Origin flight exposed a deep disconnect between celebrities and the public they claim to inspire.

In a world increasingly critical of celebrity privilege and performative activism, Perry’s trip serves as a cautionary tale: authenticity cannot be manufactured, and public perception is swift and unforgiving.

As memes, jokes, and critical commentary continue to flood the internet, Perry faces an uphill battle in reclaiming credibility, proving once again that true legacy cannot be bought or theatrically performed—it must be genuinely earned.