Empire State Review Team 
Wendy’s Mocking Katy Perry’s Space Flight Sparks Controversy
In a notable incident that unfolded shortly after pop star Katy Perry’s successful suborbital space flight with Blue Origin, Wendy’s fast food chain made headlines by delivering a sharp jab at the singer. This interaction provoked widespread discussion and backlash, leading Wendy’s to clarify its stance without offering an apology.
The Incident
The event began on a Monday when Perry and her all-female crew, including notable figures like Lauren Sánchez and Gayle King, completed an 11-minute journey into space. This landmark achievement garnered significant attention on social media.
Wendy’s Response
In response to a celebratory post by Pop Crave regarding Perry’s return to Earth, Wendy’s official account on social media replied provocatively, asking, “Can we send her back?” This comment was perceived as a witty dig at Perry for her space adventure.
Escalation of the Provocation
The fast-food chain did not stop with its initial comment. They followed up with a playful reference to one of Perry’s hit songs, “I Kissed a Girl,” further mocking the singer by implying she was kissing the Earth upon her return.
Public Backlash
The reaction was swift; many fans and social media users criticized Wendy’s for what they deemed an inappropriate and mean-spirited joke directed at a female celebrity. They argued that it did not align with Wendy’s usual style of playful banter aimed at rival fast food chains but crossed the line into personal attacks.
Wendy’s Stance
As the backlash mounted, it was reported by People magazine that Wendy’s had the opportunity to retract its statements. However, the brand opted to take a different route, emphasizing its intention to keep things lively on social media. “We always bring a little spice to our socials,” a spokesperson mentioned, also expressing respect for Perry and her immense talent.
Further Reactions
Despite Wendy’s efforts to clarify its position, some observers felt the comments had shifted from playful teasing to offensive. A source close to the situation stated, “Wendy’s didn’t make a joke — they made a choice… when billion-dollar brands join in, it’s irresponsible.”
Even Sánchez, a compatriot from Perry’s space mission, expressed dissatisfaction with Wendy’s trolling. She offered to give the company a behind-the-scenes experience at Blue Origin to showcase the serious and passionate work behind the mission: “Come with me. I’ll show you what this is about, and it’s really eye-opening,” she said.
Conclusion
As of now, Wendy’s has not released further statements regarding this incident, leaving many to wonder if the fast-food giant will reconsider its approach to social media interactions in the future.
