Lily Allen has issued a public apology to Katy Perry for her previous critical remarks, acknowledging her participation in the controversy surrounding the US pop star’s recent journey to space.
“There really was no justification for me bringing Katy’s name into it; it stemmed from my own internalised misogyny,” Allen reflected on her BBC podcast Miss Me.
“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it, and in hindsight, it was absolutely unnecessary to single her out. Although I disagree with the nature of the event, she was not the only high-profile participant.”
Allen, both a singer and actress, was among several well-known detractors of Blue Origin’s recent suborbital flight, which included Katy Perry and five other women on its brief mission to the edge of space.
“She perhaps is the most recognisable face, and arguably the most polarising, which likely influenced my decision to focus criticism on her,” Allen continued.
“I am genuinely sorry. If I were in her position and saw someone in my industry using my name in that way, I’d certainly be hurt. And for that, I apologise.”
Allen offered this apology following remarks about “Katy Perry and her friends going up to space for 12 minutes” with co-host Miquita Oliver in a prior episode.
“Seriously, what was the purpose of all that?” Allen questioned. “Why? For whom? It seemed out of touch.”
“We’re on the verge of recession, people are truly struggling to put food on the table and make ends meet,” she remarked.
She further commented: “And yet they attempted to frame it as a milestone for feminism.”
The recent Blue Origin mission, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ company, marked the first all-female group to fly to space since 1963.
Prior to the flight, Perry stated it represented “a significant milestone for the evolution of commercial space travel, humanity, and for women everywhere.”
Among those accompanying Perry were Lauren Sánchez, TV host Gayle King, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen and producer Kerianne Flynn.
Nonetheless, Perry faced much of the online criticism, especially after singing Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and showcasing her upcoming tour setlist on the flight’s livestream.
US fast food company Wendy’s took a swipe on social media, writing “Can we send her back”, later clarifying their stance and expressing “a ton of respect for Katy Perry and her out-of-this-world-talent”.
Model Emily Ratajkowski also criticised the flight, stating she was “disgusted” and challenged Bezos, saying that sending “his fiancée and a group of well-known women to space for the sake of space tourism cannot be called progress”.
American actress Olivia Munn labelled the expedition “gluttonous”, commenting: “Spaceflight is exorbitantly expensive, while many can’t even afford basic groceries. Is it really a historic event, or merely a joyride?”
In response, Gayle King expressed her disappointment at the response, saying she was “very disappointed and saddened” by the criticisms. “Have any of the critics made the journey? If you have, and still feel the same way after returning, I’d welcome a conversation,” she said.
Brendan Cox, whose wife was killed in 2016, characterised the band’s statement as “half an apology”.
The Denbighshire-born musician sold 5 million records with The Alarm and battled cancer for more than thirty years.
The group had been scheduled to perform at the Eden Project on 4 July.
Known for their provocative stance, the Irish band face growing scrutiny and criticism following a recent dispute.
The Alarm’s lead singer—a committed campaigner for cancer awareness—has died at the age of 66.