
Gayle King is not dodging the heat over her Blue Origin mission—she is owning it. In a post-flight interview with Extra
, the veteran anchor acknowledged once questioning space exploration herself, admitting she was among those people too. But after witnessing it firsthand, her perspective changed. She emphasized that the mission sparked reflection, not extravagance. “Why are we spending so much money on space?”
she once asked—but now, she urges critics, “I wish people would do more due diligence.”
Still, some fans are calling it “tone deaf.”
Gayle King responds to the backlash surrounding Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight: “I’m very disappointed… what it’s doing to inspire other women and young girls–please don’t ignore that.” pic.twitter.com/Je7V61dGR3
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 15, 2025
Gayle King responded to the critics by emphasizing the importance of understanding Blue Origin’s mission. She explained that her perspective changed once she learned how the company aims to use space technology to address issues on Earth, such as waste management. King highlighted that space innovations already contribute to things like GPS. While fans have been calling her out for being insensitive, she encouraged critics to educate themselves and visit Blue Origin before dismissing the efforts as pointless. Despite her explanation, the backlash remains immense and fans are still not on board with the idea.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, an
autonomous vehicle, soared beyond 62 miles into space, crossing the widely
accepted boundary. The mission, part of Blue Origin’s space tourism venture,
offers passengers a few minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of
Earth. While Gayle King admitted the flight is costly, she suggested that with
enough demand, the price could decrease. However, the backlash against the
flight has been overwhelming, with many criticizing the extravagant nature of
the mission.
Read More: Katy Perry’s Unusual Flight Sparks Wild Space Theories From Fans
The mission has fueled intense criticism, with fans vehemently condemning Gayle King, dismissing any justifications she presents, and pledging to disregard anything she asserts.
Gayle King’s words ignite furious backlash from devoted fans
While it is not only fans but celebrities as well, many have voiced their skepticism
, questioning the mission’s relevance amidst global challenges. Gayle King attempted to address the growing criticism before too, and found herself under intense scrutiny. On X, fans wasted no time calling her out, accusing her of setting a negative example for young girls and arguing that the real astronauts, not public figures like King, should be the ones receiving the praise and attention.
How did people with such little self awareness become so rich?
— We Watched A Movie (@WeWatchedAMovie) April 15, 2025
you went for a RIDE @GayleKing
you’re a space TOURIST.
it’s incredibly disrespectful to our astronauts, those who have dedicated their lives/studies to space, to sit and give interviews like you accomplished a feat.
you didn’t.
you had enough money so you were GIVEN a seat.
— Foh_Reality (@FohReality) April 16, 2025
lol is she real?
What young lady or man is gonna get that opportunity?
“Just think kids if you have money, or are privileged to know somebody, you could go in a space for 8 minutes? And when you do, you will remember what I did for humanity. ” 😂😂😂
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) April 15, 2025
Fans have been far from gentle in expressing their views, highlighting that the mission’s price was steep, not only financially but also in terms of its environmental impact.
How is a bunch of privileged rich girls taking a joyride in the sky going to inspire our young women? Give the real female astronauts more exposure. Tell our little girls that the sky is truly the limit to what they can accomplish.
— Deborah, My Friends Call Me Slayer🔥🐉⚔️🔥 (@drodvik52) April 16, 2025
I had no idea we were planning to litter on other planets. This is worse than I imagined tbh.
— Kimberly Klacik (@kimKBaltimore) April 16, 2025
Have you been? To space? Lady people can’t afford homes ON EARTH!
— Marie’s daughter 🌻 (@j0vintage) April 15, 2025
What Gayle King may have anticipated as an inspiring moment has instead boomeranged, triggering a storm of backlash. Fans on X have relentlessly criticized her, slamming the mission not just for its environmental toll on Earth, but for promoting the careless idea of spreading waste beyond our planet. As monumental as the mission was intended to be, the outrage it unleashed has proven just as colossal, leaving King engulfed in digital fury.
What do you think of Gayle King’s response to the backlash? Let us know in the comments below.