Olivia Munn, known for her role X-Men: Apocalypse, has ignited controversy by questioning the purpose and cost of an upcoming Blue Origin space mission. The mission, scheduled for April 14th, features a crew of prominent women, including Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, pop star Katy Perry, and CBS News anchor Gayle King.
Munn’s comments, made during a co-hosting appearance on Today With Jenna and Friends, challenged the rationale behind the flight. “What are they doing?” she asked, expressing skepticism about the scientific or societal benefit of the venture. Her critique extended to the public relations surrounding the mission, suggesting, “If you wanna go to space, why do you need to tell us about it, you know? It’s just like, go up there, have a good time, come on down.”
A significant point of Munn’s argument centered on the financial cost of space travel, particularly in the context of pressing issues on Earth. “I know this is probably obnoxious, but like, it’s so much money to go to space, and there’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs,” she stated, drawing a stark contrast between the expense of space tourism and the economic struggles faced by many. This comment references the recent surge in egg prices, highlighting a relatable economic hardship for many viewers.
Munn also questioned the environmental impact of the mission, asking, “This is a lot of resources being spent.” Her concerns touch upon the broader debate surrounding the environmental cost of space exploration and the allocation of resources in the face of climate change.
The controversy is further fueled by revelations about the crew’s preparations for the flight. Jenna Bush Hager mentioned the crew’s intention to be in “full glam,” including hair, makeup, and eyelash extensions. Munn responded with surprise, asking, “They said this out loud?!” This detail has been seized upon by critics as evidence of frivolousness, with Munn herself labeling the mission “a bit gluttonous.”
These comments stand in contrast to the crew’s own perspective. In an interview with Elle magazine, Lauren Sánchez defended the mission, stating, “All of these women are storytellers in their own right. They’re going to go up to space and be able to spread what they felt in different ways.” Katy Perry expressed her long-held desire to travel to space, and the crew emphasized their intention to showcase women in a powerful and glamorous light.
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The upcoming Blue Origin flight, Blue Origin Flight NS-31, is notable as the first launch with an all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo space flight in 1963. The crew will experience a brief period of weightlessness, flying past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
Munn’s criticism, while sparking debate, highlights a broader discussion about the priorities of space exploration and the ethics of space tourism. While proponents emphasize the potential for scientific advancement and inspiration, critics raise concerns about resource allocation and the spectacle of space travel for private enjoyment.
