“Faux feminism, style over substance”: Katy Perry’s space launch with all-female crew slammed by climate activist as a missed opportunity

Katy Perry just added “space traveler” to her curriculum vitae, but not everyone is cheering for her cosmic milestone.

The Teenage Dream singer joined the history-making Blue Origin space flight on April 14, which sent an all-female crew soaring briefly into the cosmos. The roster included former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, journalist Gayle King, research scientist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and media figure Lauren Sanchez, marking the first all-women space crew since 1963.

But while the headlines celebrated this galactic girl-power moment, some were unimpressed, including award-winning climate activist and influencer Laura Young.

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Young shared her concerns, saying:

“Any celebrity space flight would get backlash, but it was tough seeing this mission framed as groundbreaking when it lacked depth. And ironically, the fact it was all women made the criticism sting more, because we all hoped it would be more meaningful.”

Laura Young, an eco-campaigner and Scotland’s Influencer of the Year, has spent years pushing environmental reform. She championed reusable living and played a key role in Scotland’s upcoming ban on disposable vapes.

Further, as the new environmental ambassador for Girlguiding UK, she helps young girls earn Eco Awards through sustainable deeds such as using public transport or shopping secondhand.

For Young, the 11-minute space launch felt like a missed opportunity to spark deeper change.

“I thought it was lovely that Katy brought a daisy for her daughter. But Daisy might learn more about protecting the planet by joining Rainbows and earning her Eco Award. Inspiration doesn't have to leave the atmosphere. It can start right here, in your local community.”

Young also questioned the environmental impact of such flights.

“We’re being told to recycle, cut down on flying, and lower our carbon footprints – and then we watch celebrities rocket into space for under 11 minutes. Even if Blue Origin says it's just water vapour, that still has consequences for our atmosphere and climate.”

She added that the trip felt like “a glossy PR moment” with “zero scientific significance.”

“It was sold as empowering, but it didn’t really show the work or the expertise behind real progress in these fields. It felt like faux feminism – style over substance.”

Katy Perry cancels shows following space flight controversy

Laura Young’s criticism comes after Katy Perry cancelled her concerts as she continues to receive flak for her participation in the Blue Origin launch.

On April 22, the E.T. hitmaker took to her Instagram Stories to announce the cancellation of her two shows in Guadalajara, writing:

“Sadly, I learned that the construction of Arena Guadalajara will not be complete for their scheduled shows next week, which includes mine on May 1 and 2.”

The pop star revealed that she sent a team to look over and explore alternatives to make the shows happen, but cited incomplete venue construction as the cause.

“I wish I could fix this but it is beyond my control. You guys mean the world to me and we have all been on such a beautiful journey together that I will be thinking about how I can create something special for the fans in Guadalajara in the future.”

Although the canceled shows were a letdown, Perry has kept the excitement alive by dropping sneak peeks of her tour on social media.

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On April 20, the songstress amped up anticipation with a promotional clip, giving fans a glimpse of the dazzling visuals in store.

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