Katy Perry Admits She Felt “Bruised and Battered” After Space Trip Backlash
Star singer Katy Perry is no stranger to controversy, but even she didn’t expect the internet storm that followed her brief trip to space. The pop icon recently opened up about the emotional toll of the backlash after her 11-minute Blue Origin flight.
According to Katy Perry, the online reaction made her feel like a “human Piñata.”
It has been two weeks since the trip, but the noise hasn’t stopped. Critics slammed her for participating in what they called a tone-deaf publicity stunt, while others took issue with her mid-flight performance and promotional stunt.
Perry sang “What a Wonderful World” and teased her upcoming tour, and the internet let her have it.
Why the All-female Space Trip Set People Off
The backlash didn’t come out of nowhere. Timing was everything. At a moment when many people are struggling financially, a luxury space jaunt by a group of celebrities, even under the banner of female empowerment, didn’t sit well with some. Katy Perry was especially targeted, likely because she mixed showbiz flair with what was supposed to be a scientific or symbolic mission.
Perry / IG / Critics pounced, calling the move tone-deaf and self-indulgent. Some argued it wasn’t the right moment for a spectacle like that.
Perry, as always, stood out – and not always for reasons she intended. Her setlist reveal during the flight was seen as shameless promotion, not inspiration. The internet responded the way it often does: harsh, fast, and unforgiving.
Katy Perry Is Still a Target, Still Standing
This is not the first time Katy Perry has been dragged online. But this time, the backlash cut deeper. Her last album didn’t land the way she had hoped, and her lead single “Woman’s World” got slammed for feeling outdated. Add in the space trip, and it felt like the internet had made up its mind.
But Perry is not one to hide. She addressed the hate head-on, admitting the backlash made her feel “battered and bruised.” Instead of retreating, she turned to her fans, the one group that has stood by her no matter what. And they showed up, big time.
Fans Sent Love From Earth to Space
When you’re getting slammed online, a little love goes a long way. In Perry’s case, it came from a fan-led campaign that rented a Times Square billboard to support her. That massive gesture caught her attention.
She responded with real emotion, thanking her fans and calling their support “beautiful and wild.”
Perry / IG / The outpouring public show of love reminded Perry (and the world) that she still matters.
Her fans, especially international ones, made it clear: space flight or not, they are with her. The gesture helped shift the mood.
The Internet Isn’t Kind, But Perry Keeps Her Cool
Katy Perry didn’t just say thank you and move on. She reflected on the toxicity she felt after the trip. She acknowledged how brutal the internet can be, calling it a dumping ground for pain and anger. But instead of lashing out, she said she is choosing grace and perspective.
She reminded everyone that she is human, too: still learning, still making mistakes. Her message was clear that she is not perfect, but she is real. And no matter how loud the critics get, she is not going to quit. That message hit home with fans and even softened some former critics.
With her world tour underway, Katy Perry is turning the page. She is hitting the stage in cities across the globe, from the U.S. to the UAE. Each show gives her a chance to reconnect with fans in person. No screens, no filters, just music and energy.