Katy Perry’s image takes a hit after space trip; PR expert warns of possible career crisis

Pop star Katy Perry recently joined a short space flight with Blue Origin, but what was meant to be a powerful moment for women in history has instead become a public relations nightmare.
According to a report by Daily Mail, the singer is now facing major criticism, and one public relations expert has even suggested that her career might be heading toward “extinction” if she doesn’t take a break from the spotlight.
The 11-minute flight, organized by Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, took place in West Texas and included an all-female crew. Alongside Perry were well-known names such as host Gayle King, businesswoman Lauren Sanchez, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and activist Amanda Nguyen. The group aimed to highlight female achievements in science and space exploration.
However, instead of praise, the event quickly drew backlash. Many people online criticized the flight as nothing more than a publicity stunt, calling the participants “space tourists.” Among them, Katy Perry has faced the most criticism. Her dramatic behavior during and after the flight, such as kissing the ground upon landing and holding a flower in the air, was described by critics as “cringeworthy” and over-the-top. Some felt that using the space trip to promote her tour made the event feel performative rather than meaningful.
In a post-flight interview, Perry said the mission wasn’t about her music but about creating space and belonging for women. She spoke about the importance of love, connection, and making space for future generations. Despite her intentions, her words didn’t seem to land well with the public.
Social media users were quick to mock the singer, and even the fast food chain Wendy’s joined in on the criticism. PR expert Eric Schiffer told Daily Mail that Perry’s recent actions make her seem disconnected from everyday people. He called her attempts to stay relevant “desperate” and “tone-deaf.”
Schiffer believes that Katy Perry's brand has now become linked to what he called a “faux-feminist failure.” He warned that unless she steps away from the spotlight and reevaluates her public image, she could be facing the end of her career. He also pointed out the contradiction between her advocacy for climate action and her involvement in high-profile, fuel-intensive activities, saying it makes her message seem insincere.
As of now, there’s no official response from Perry’s team. But the situation has clearly sparked a debate among fans and critics alike. While some believe she can bounce back with time and a thoughtful return, others think this incident may have caused lasting damage to her reputation.