Katy Perry goes to space – and no one is happy about it! There is heavy coverage of the backlash facing the all-female Blue Origin space flight yesterday, which saw Katy Perry and other celebrities go to space. On the front pages, the coverage is heavily focused on Perry’s reaction to the trip, whilst online (and more recent) publications report on the trip with scepticism, suggesting the trip was a “publicity stunt” and a waste of time and money when instead, real female astronauts should have been sent. There has also been a lot of negative reactions from celebrities who, like the journalists, question why Katy Perry – and the other Hollywood stars – was given a seat on this flight.
Backlash as Katy Perry goes to space
Lauren Sanchez, Katy Perry… and one giant step BACK for womankind
Explainer: This headline uses a provocative and dismissive tone, particularly with the phrase “one giant step BACK for womankind,” implying that the actions of Lauren Sanchez and Katy Perry have regressed progress for women. The language is sensational, aiming to shock and create controversy. The framing may introduce bias by focusing on personal criticism rather than a nuanced discussion of the issue.
- The Daily Mail says the “publicity stunt” was a major setback for women, pondering what “real female astronauts” must’ve thought about the likes of Perry going into space. The paper says the stunt is “masquerading as an important space voyage” when in reality the “sexy jumpsuits” and “wailing popstars” and “giddy Kardashians” were a step backwards for womankind.
Olivia Munn and Amy Schumer among celebrities slamming Katy Perry’s ‘gluttonous’ space flight
Explainer: This headline uses emotive language like “slamming” and “gluttonous” to create a negative, judgmental tone towards Katy Perry’s space flight. By framing the story around their disapproval, it may introduce bias by highlighting the negative response without providing a broader perspective on the issue.
- Metro reports that celebrities are slamming the all-female Blue Origin 10-minute space flight. Amy Schumer and Olivia Wilde are amongst those speaking out against the ‘gluttonous’ flight.
So Katy Perry went to space. Wasn’t there anyone else we could have sent?
Explainer: This headline uses a dismissive tone with “Wasn’t there anyone else we could have sent?” to undermine Katy Perry’s space flight, suggesting it was a waste or unnecessary. The phrasing adds a critical, almost mocking edge, which may bias readers by framing her journey as trivial or unworthy.
- The Guardian asks, wasn’t there anyone else they could have taken, saying, “no disrespect to the pop star or the rest of Blue Origin’s all-female crew, but most of them weren’t obvious astronaut material.”
Katy Perry really went to space. It’s the most Katy Perry thing she’s done yet.
Explainer: This headline uses a playful, sarcastic tone with “the most Katy Perry thing she’s done yet,” implying that the space flight is a typical, attention-grabbing move for the pop star. By framing it as an “opinion,” it suggests a personal, subjective view that may skew readers’ perception, focusing more on her celebrity persona than the actual significance of the event.
- USA Today also questions why Katy Perry went. “The kookiness of this whole ordeal makes perfect sense for Katy Perry who, throughout her career, has made being corny and unserious her whole brand,” it says.
