Emily Ratajkowski recently voiced her opinion on the much-discussed Blue Origin space flight, which featured an all-female crew.
The mission, which took place on Monday, has sparked criticism from various celebrities, including Ratajkowski.
The model, 33, expressed her strong disapproval of the mission, stating in a TikTok video that she was “disgusted” by the historic 11-minute trip, which included famous names like Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, former rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn.
Ratajkowski questioned the mission’s purpose, particularly highlighting the contradiction between the environmental focus of the event and the company’s impact on the planet.
“You care about Mother Earth, but you’re going up in a spaceship built and paid for by a company that’s singlehandedly destroying the planet?” she asked, referencing Blue Origin’s billionaire owner Jeff Bezos.
Her comments were part of a broader critique of the resources used for the trip, suggesting that the mission served more as a marketing stunt than anything meaningful.
Other Celebrities Join the Criticism
Ratajkowski wasn’t alone in voicing her displeasure.
Actress Olivia Wilde and comedian Olivia Munn also expressed their skepticism about the space flight.
Perry, who was one of the passengers, made headlines with a photo of her kissing the ground after landing in Texas.
Wilde shared the image on Instagram, adding a sarcastic comment: “Billion dollars bought some good memes, I guess.”
Munn, ahead of the flight, appeared on Today With Jenna and Friends and questioned the necessity of the mission.
She pointed out that there were far more pressing issues in the world.
“What are you doing up there?” she asked, adding, “There’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs.”
Her remarks highlighted the stark contrast between the luxury of space tourism and the struggles many face on Earth.
The Space Flight’s Historical Significance
Despite the criticism, Blue Origin’s flight marked a historic moment.
It was the first space journey with an all-female crew since Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963.
The mission was seen as a milestone in the effort to diversify space exploration.
However, the launch sparked further conversation about its purpose and the implications of such a mission in the current global context.
After the mission, both Sanchez and King defended their participation.
King, 70, spoke to People, explaining that critics of the flight likely didn’t understand its significance.
“We can all speak to the response we’re getting from young women, from young girls, about what this represents,” she said.
Sanchez also responded strongly to the backlash, expressing her frustration with the critics.
She invited them to visit Blue Origin and see the dedication of the employees working there.
“They put their heart and soul into this vehicle,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of the mission to those involved.
Celebrity Defenses and Continued Debate
The public’s reaction to the mission was a mix of admiration and skepticism.
Following the mission’s success, comedian Amy Schumer humorously joined the conversation, claiming she was invited to join the flight at the last minute.
“It has no meaning to me, but it was in my bag, and I got the text. So I’m going to space,” she joked in a video.
Schumer’s quip highlighted the lighthearted nature of her approach to the mission, contrasting with the serious debates it had sparked.
As for Sanchez and King, their defense of the flight was rooted in the positive feedback they received from young women and girls, who were inspired by the mission.
Sanchez pointed out that the criticism came from people who didn’t fully understand the work behind Blue Origin and the dedication of the team involved.
Despite the backlash, she remains hopeful that the flight will inspire others to “dream big and reach for the stars.”
Moving Forward: What’s Next?
As the debate surrounding Blue Origin’s all-female flight continues, it remains to be seen how it will shape the future of space tourism and women’s involvement in the industry.
While some view the mission as a powerful step forward, others see it as a symbol of excess and privilege in a world grappling with significant challenges.
For now, the conversation around space exploration and its purpose remains as relevant as ever, with no clear consensus on what comes next.