Los Angeles, CA – Actress and model Emily Ratajkowski has weighed in on the recent Blue Origin space flight that featured an all-female crew, expressing her disapproval of the mission. Ratajkowski took to social media to share her thoughts on the flight that saw Katy Perry, Gayle King, and others travel to the edge of space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin spacecraft.
In her TikTok video, Ratajkowski criticized the mission, questioning the environmental impact and the priorities involved. She expressed her disgust at the idea of claiming to care about Mother Earth while participating in an activity funded by a company she believes is contributing to the planet’s destruction. Ratajkowski’s comments come in the wake of similar criticisms from others in the entertainment industry, like Olivia Munn, who also questioned the significance of the space mission.
Despite the backlash, Blue Origin co-founder Lauren Sánchez and Gayle King defended the space flight during a press conference, highlighting the dedication of the team behind the mission. Sánchez emphasized the hard work and passion of the employees involved in the project, suggesting that critics should visit Blue Origin to gain a deeper understanding of the mission’s importance.
Ratajkowski later elaborated on her initial comments, pointing out the optics of diversity in traditionally exclusive fields like science and politics. She argued that the space mission, led by a billionaire benefactor, does not represent true progress but rather highlights the disparities in wealth and privilege. She criticized the idea of space tourism as a symbol of an oligarchical society, contrasting it with the struggles faced by the majority of the world’s population.
The debate surrounding the Blue Origin flight raises important questions about the role of private space exploration and the implications of wealth disparities on access to such experiences. Critics like Ratajkowski underscore the need for a more critical examination of what constitutes real progress in a society marked by inequality and environmental concerns. As the space tourism industry continues to grow, discussions around ethics, responsibility, and the future of space exploration are likely to become even more prominent in the public discourse.