British pop star and podcast host Lily Allen has apologized for criticizing US singer Katy Perry for taking part in a recent all-female space flight. “I would actually like to apologize for being mean about Katy Perry last week,” Allen said on her podcast “Miss Me?” in an episode released Monday. “There was actually no need for me to bring her name into it, and it was my own internalized misogyny,” she told co-host Miquita Oliver. In a previous episode of the podcast, Allen lambasted Perry for being one of six women who traveled aboard Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ space tourism company Blue Origin’s all-female, suborbital mission earlier this month. “I mean, what the… hell was all that about?” Allen said in a podcast episode released on April 17. “In all seriousness, what? Why? For why?” “It’s so out of touch. Like, we’re on the brink of recession. People are really… struggling to make ends meet and get food on their table,” said Allen, who said that Perry had been sent to space for “absolutely no… reason.” “And the fact that they’ve, like, made it like some sort of feminist thing…” she added. Allen said Monday that she still disagrees with the fact that the flight took place, but apologized for singling out Perry. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and it was just completely unnecessary to pile on with her. I disagree with what it was that they did, but she wasn’t the only person that did it,” she said. “She was possibly the most famous, and the one that divides people the most, and so there was something in me that decided to choose her as the person (to criticize),” she added. “Well, anyway, I’m just sorry. I would have been hurt if it had been me and someone in my industry… used me and my name, and I saw that, and I’m sorry,” said Allen. The flight, which also counted journalist Gayle King and Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez among its passengers, took place on Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft on April 14. It lasted about 10 minutes and saw the group travel more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) into the sky, experiencing a few minutes of weightlessness before descending back to Earth. Although the company trumpeted the all-female crew as a marker of progress, it also elicited plenty of criticism, with some aghast at efforts to promote space tourism at a time when millions of people are struggling to afford basic necessities. Perry featured heavily in promotional materials for the flight, including being filmed holding up a butterfly with a track list for her upcoming tour on it to an onboard camera. Notable critics included actress Olivia Munn, who called the mission “gluttonous,” while tech journalist Kara Swisher slammed it as a “publicity stunt.”
Lily Allen apologizes for ‘being mean’ to Katy Perry over Blue Origin flight
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lily Allen Apologizes for Criticism of Katy Perry's Space Flight Participation"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Lily Allen, the British pop star and podcast host, recently issued an apology for her previous comments criticizing Katy Perry's participation in an all-female space flight organized by Blue Origin, the space tourism company founded by Jeff Bezos. During a new episode of her podcast "Miss Me?", released on Monday, Allen expressed regret for her harsh remarks made in a prior episode where she questioned the motives behind the flight. She acknowledged that her criticism stemmed from her own internalized misogyny and recognized that targeting Perry specifically was unwarranted. Allen reflected on her feelings of outrage regarding the timing of the flight, given the struggles many are facing due to economic hardship, but she clarified that her discontent was not solely directed at Perry. She emphasized that she disagreed with the concept of the flight itself but regretted singling out Perry as the focus of her criticism, admitting that it was inappropriate and unnecessary to do so.
In her apology, Allen acknowledged the potential hurt her words could cause, particularly to someone in her industry. She indicated that there were other women involved in the mission, including journalist Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez, Bezos' fiancée, and noted that Perry's visibility made her an easy target for criticism. Allen's initial comments had sparked a debate about the appropriateness of promoting space tourism during times of widespread economic struggle, with various public figures, including actress Olivia Munn and tech journalist Kara Swisher, voicing their disapproval of the mission. Despite the flight being heralded as a milestone for female representation in space travel, it faced backlash for being perceived as disconnected from the realities of everyday life. As the conversation surrounding space tourism continues, Allen's reflections highlight the complexities of feminist representation and the societal implications of such high-profile events.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on Lily Allen's recent apology to Katy Perry regarding her previous criticisms of Perry's participation in an all-female space flight organized by Blue Origin. This situation ignites discussions around celebrity culture, the implications of public criticism, and the intersection of feminism and consumerism in the contemporary world.
Public Perception and Internalized Misogyny
Allen acknowledges her previous comments were rooted in her "own internalized misogyny," suggesting that criticism directed at women in the spotlight often reflects broader societal issues. By apologizing, Allen attempts to mitigate the backlash against Perry, but she also reiterates her disagreement with the flight itself. This duality may serve to appease both her audience and critics, but it also raises questions about the genuine nature of her apology.
Context of the Space Flight
The Blue Origin flight represents a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about gender equality and representation in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as space exploration. Allen's criticism highlights societal tensions surrounding wealth and privilege, especially given the economic struggles many people face. Her remarks tap into a collective frustration that some may feel towards the lavishness of space tourism, particularly when juxtaposed against current world issues like economic recession.
Media Manipulation and Celebrity Culture
The focus on Allen's apology may serve as a distraction from more pressing societal issues, providing a spectacle that engages audiences while diverting attention from deeper economic or political discussions. This can reflect a media landscape that thrives on celebrity gossip rather than substantive news, which can be seen as manipulative in nature.
Potential Implications for Society
This incident could further polarize public opinion about celebrity actions and their societal impacts. The debate may ignite discussions on what constitutes feminism and whether actions taken by wealthy individuals can genuinely represent feminist ideals. The ongoing discourse may influence how celebrities approach social issues in the future, possibly leading to more cautious engagement from public figures.
Target Audience and Community Response
The article likely resonates with communities that are critical of celebrity culture, particularly those advocating for social justice and economic equity. It may also appeal to audiences that favor open discussions about internalized misogyny and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing societal issues.
Market and Economic Impact
While the news itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets or global economies, the surrounding discussions about wealth and privilege in the context of space tourism could influence public sentiment towards companies like Blue Origin. As conversations about wealth distribution continue, companies associated with luxury experiences might face increased scrutiny.
The article does not present significant evidence of manipulation, but it does highlight the complexities of public discourse surrounding feminism, celebrity, and societal privilege. The language used in the article may contribute to a specific narrative that frames Allen's actions as reflective of broader societal issues, rather than purely personal missteps.
The reliability of the article is high, as it refers to specific statements made by Allen and contextualizes her actions within broader social frameworks. However, the sensational nature of the topic could lead to a focus on entertainment rather than the deeper implications of the events discussed.