Wendy’s refuses to apologize for taking brutal dig at Katy Perry’s space voyage
Katy Perry, Gayle King react to flight: 'Sisterhood'
Katy Perry, Gayle King and the four other women who made history as the first all-female space crew on April 14, 2025, spoke on their experience just moments after landing back on earth.
In one of the strangest brand vs. celebrity moments of the year, Wendy’s fast food chain lobbed a spicy shot at pop star Katy Perry shortly after she completed her Blue Origin suborbital space flight — and when asked to apologize, the restaurant brand doubled down.
The drama kicked off Monday, when Perry landed back on Earth after an 11-minute journey to the stars aboard a Blue Origin flight alongside Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King and three other women.
The milestone moment went viral on social media. Then came Wendy’s.
Under a post from Pop Crave celebrating Perry’s return, Wendy’s X account quipped: "Can we send her back[?]"
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Katy Perry attends the 11th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at Barker Hangar on April 05, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
The post hit like a frosty slap, and they didn't stop coming.
In a twist on Perry's breakout hit, "I Kissed a Girl," Wendy's X account mocked the singer for kissing the earth upon the earthbound return of the Blue Origin vessel.
Backlash wasn’t far behind. Fans were quick to call out the burger giant for punching down, and not in the way it usually roasts rival chains.
BLUE ORIGIN AND ITS ALL-FEMALE MISSION: FAST FACTS
By Thursday, People magazine reported that Wendy’s had been given the chance to walk it back. Instead, the brand took the scenic route around an apology.
"We always bring a little spice to our socials," a spokesperson told People, "but Wendy’s has a ton of respect for Katy Perry and her out-of-this-world-talent."
But not everyone was loving the heat. A source close to the situation told People that the post crossed a line from cheeky to cheap.
"Wendy’s didn’t make a joke — they made a choice," the source said
.
"This wasn’t harmless banter, this was a billion-dollar brand using its platform to publicly demean a woman… when billion-dollar brands join in, it’s irresponsible."
Even Perry’s fellow space traveler, Sánchez, weighed in, making it clear she wasn’t impressed by the trolling.
She told People she’d gladly give Wendy’s a behind-the-scenes look at Blue Origin to show them just how serious and meaningful the mission was.
"I would love to have them come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don't just work here, but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle," Sánchez said. "Come with me. I'll show you what this is about, and it's really eye-opening."
All-female Blue Origin crew admires Earth and moon from space
Footage released by Blue Origin shows the all-female crew cheering and showing off various items they brought with them in their capsule on Monday. (Credit: Blue Origin via Storyful)
Wendy’s hasn’t tweeted anything further on the issue.
Wendy's media relations team did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for inquiry.
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