Gayle King has faced criticism for her recent Blue Origin flight, which featured an all-female crew including herself, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez. The purpose of the flight was to highlight women in aeronautics, but it received backlash from various celebrities, including Olivia Munn, who called it “gluttonous” and questioned its importance in the current world climate.
In response to the criticism, King defended the flight in an interview with Extra, stating that her perspective shifted after learning more about Blue Origin’s goals. She emphasized the company’s intention to utilize space technology for the benefit of Earth, such as finding ways to reduce waste and improve the planet. King highlighted the practical applications of space technology, like GPS and satellites, that impact everyday life.
Despite acknowledging the expense of a Blue Origin flight, King encouraged people to consider the potential benefits and advancements in technology that could result from further space exploration. She also addressed the terminology used to describe the flight, noting the difference in language when referring to male astronauts versus female astronauts.
While facing criticism from peers in the entertainment industry, King remained steadfast in her belief in the value of the Blue Origin flight and refused to let negativity overshadow the accomplishment. She expressed her determination to not let “cranky Yankees” or haters diminish the joy she felt from the experience.
Ultimately, King’s message is one of positivity and resilience in the face of criticism. She invites others to educate themselves about the work being done in space exploration and consider the potential benefits for society as a whole. Despite the controversy surrounding the flight, King remains proud of the journey she took with her fellow female crew members.
