British singer Lily Allen has publicly apologized to fellow pop star Katy Perry for singling her out during criticism of the recent all-female Blue Origin space flight. On the latest episode of her podcast Miss Me?, Allen admitted that her remarks were influenced by “internalized misogyny” and expressed regret for targeting Perry specifically.
The controversy began after Perry participated in Blue Origin’s suborbital flight on April 14, which also included journalist Gayle King, scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The mission lasted approximately 11 minutes and was part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program. Perry described the experience as an “incredible journey” and emphasized her desire to model courage and worthiness.
Lily Allen in Miss Me
In a previous episode of Miss Me?, Allen and co-host Miquita Oliver criticized the flight, calling it “out of touch” given the economic hardships many people are facing. Allen specifically questioned the feminist framing of the mission and expressed disbelief over the event. She later reflected on her comments and acknowledged that singling out Perry was inappropriate. Allen stated, “I would have been hurt if it had been me and someone in my industry used me and my name.
Lily Allen’s apology highlights the importance of self-reflection and accountability, especially when public figures critique one another. While she maintained her disagreement with the nature of the space flight, Allen recognized that targeting Perry specifically was unjust
As of now, Perry has not publicly responded to Lily Allen’s apology. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding public discourse and the need for thoughtful consideration before making public criticisms.
In the broader context, the Blue Origin flight sparked discussions about the role of celebrities in space exploration and the optics of such missions during times of economic uncertainty. Participants like Sánchez and King defended the mission, emphasizing the dedication of Blue Origin employees and the significance of the event. Perry’s participation was seen by some as an opportunity to inspire others and promote the idea that space exploration is for everyone.
Allen’s candid acknowledgment of her misstep and her willingness to apologize publicly may contribute to a more nuanced conversation about celebrity involvement in high-profile events and the responsibilities that come with public commentary.
