'Katy Perry launched herself into a PR black hole - her space stunt backfired'

Katy Perry has never been one to shy away from a spectacle. From candy-coloured outfits to cartoonish stage shows, she’s built her career on being bold, bright, and unapologetically out-there.

But this week, - with a headline-grabbing trip to space. Only, the response wasn’t as positive as she might’ve expected. Instead, the pop icon found herself in a as fans questioned the legitimacy of her stunt.

The pop megastar, 40, was one of on Monday in a mission funded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezo's space exploration company. for its questionable environmental impact, and for the bizarre and dramatic antics of the crew, including Katy.

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According to PR and personal branding expert Mayah Riaz, what should have been a powerful moment of female empowerment turned into what she calls “a PR black hole".

“Katy didn’t just shoot for the stars - she ,” Mayah tells the .

On paper, it seemed like a slam dunk. A woman in space, breaking boundaries, inspiring the next generation. But for many, it just didn’t land.

“The big question is why she did it,” Mayah says. “In my opinion, this was a calculated brand move. Katy’s always been known for her eccentric image - she thrives on reinvention. A space flight fits with her whole ‘out of this ’ vibe.”

But this time, the gamble didn’t pay off.

“Instead of applause, she got eye rolls,” Mayah explains. “Even some fellow celebs weren’t impressed. Timing and tone are everything. With people struggling financially and worried about the planet, flying off in a billionaire’s rocket feels totally tone-deaf.”

And the attempt to wrap it in a “female empowerment” message?

“It felt forced,” says Mayah. “Empowerment isn’t something you buy with a ticket to space and a zero-gravity selfie.”

Adding another layer to the backlash, Katy also introduced her daughter to the public for the first time during the trip - an emotional moment that ended up being overshadowed by the controversy.

“That was a very personal reveal meant to humanise her,” Mayah says. “But with the wrong backdrop, even that heartfelt moment felt out of sync - or worse, misjudged.”

Reports have since suggested that Katy regrets showing her daughter to the world. And while the decision may have backfired, Mayah believes there’s a way to bounce back.

“That regret is valid - and actually quite relatable. Katy can absolutely pull back from the overexposure and reset those boundaries. That’s not weakness, it’s wisdom.”

Mayah says it’s crucial for Katy not to go quiet in the wake of the backlash. “She should address it. Fans want to hear from her - why she did it, what it meant to her, and most importantly, how she’s taking this feedback in.”

An honest interview or a candid post on social media could go a long way. But if Katy really wants to double down on her empowerment message, Mayah says she needs to follow it up with action.

“Fund STEM scholarships for girls. Partner with women in aerospace. That’s how you align the message with something meaningful.”

Despite the criticism, Mayah believes this moment doesn’t have to define Katy for the worse.

“We talk a lot about cancel culture. But people don’t get cancelled for one PR blunder. They get cancelled when they refuse to grow from it. If Katy gets humble, gets real, she can turn this blunder into a breakthrough.”

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