Gayle King on Backlash Over ‘Expensive’ Blue Origin Flight

Gayle King faced backlash following her Blue Origin space flight with an all-female crew, including Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez. Despite the flight aiming to highlight women in aeronautics, critics, including Olivia Munn, Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, and Emily Ratajkowski, deemed it “gluttonous” and questioned its significance amidst pressing global issues.

In response to the criticism, King defended the experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding Blue Origin’s mission to utilize space technology for the betterment of Earth. She acknowledged her initial skepticism about the cost and relevance of space exploration but highlighted the potential benefits of harnessing space resources to improve life on our planet.

The Blue Origin New Shepard rocket, which offers passengers a brief taste of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth, operates autonomously and marks a significant milestone in space tourism. While the expense of such a journey remains undisclosed, King suggested that collective interest could make it more accessible in the future.

Addressing the dismissal of the flight as a mere “ride,” King called for respect towards the mission’s purpose and the work of Blue Origin. Despite facing criticism from peers in the entertainment industry, she remained steadfast in her joy and pride for the experience, refusing to let negativity overshadow the significance of the journey.

Overall, King’s response to the backlash highlights the need for informed perspectives on space exploration and the potential benefits it holds for humanity. By encouraging due diligence and understanding of the mission’s objectives, she invites critics to reconsider their stance and appreciate the value of pioneering advancements in space technology.