Fact Check: The Blue Horizon event featuring Katy Perry and other artists is being claimed to have been staged and never actually took place.

The Claim: "The Blue Horizon event featuring Katy Perry and other artists is being claimed to have been staged and never actually took place."

Introduction

Recently, claims have emerged suggesting that the Blue Origin space flight featuring Katy Perry and other prominent figures was staged and never actually occurred. This assertion has gained traction on social media and among conspiracy theorists, who argue that various pieces of evidence indicate the event was a hoax. The claims have sparked significant discussion, particularly in light of the flight's high-profile nature and the involvement of celebrities.

What We Know

1. The Event: Katy Perry participated in a Blue Origin flight on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket, which took place on April 15, 2025. The flight included an all-women crew and was marketed as a female empowerment mission, reaching an altitude of 66.5 miles, just above the Kármán Line, which is recognized as the boundary of space 96.

2. Live Streaming: The flight was live-streamed across multiple platforms, allowing viewers to witness the launch and landing in real-time 9. This aspect of the event is often cited by supporters as evidence of its authenticity.

3. Claims of Staging: Skeptics have pointed to various supposed "evidence" that the event was staged. For example, some have highlighted a moment when the hatch of the spacecraft appeared to open from the inside before the crew exited, suggesting that the entire operation was pre-planned 7. Others have circulated images of what they claim to be a mannequin hand, which was later identified as part of a previous test flight and not related to the recent event 5.

4. Backlash and Criticism: Following the flight, Katy Perry faced backlash, with some fans labeling the event a publicity stunt amid declining ticket sales for her concert tour 68. This criticism has fueled further speculation about the authenticity of the flight.

Analysis

The claims surrounding the alleged staging of the Blue Origin flight involve a mix of factual assertions, opinions, and unverified assertions.

• Source Reliability:

  • The New York Times 2 is generally considered a reliable source, providing a balanced view of the backlash against Perry. However, it does not directly address the conspiracy claims.
  • The Mirror 3 and The US Sun 7 report on the skepticism but are known for sensationalist reporting, which may influence their portrayal of the events.
  • Euronews 4 offers a debunking perspective on the conspiracy theories, highlighting the misinformation surrounding the event, which adds credibility to its claims but may also reflect a bias against conspiracy theorists.
  • Economic Times 56 provides context about the backlash and the public's perception of the flight, but its focus on the negative aspects may skew the narrative.

• Methodology of Claims: Many of the claims about the flight being staged rely on anecdotal evidence and interpretations of video footage rather than concrete proof. The assertion that the hatch opened from the inside lacks corroborative evidence and is primarily based on viewer interpretation rather than technical analysis of the spacecraft's design and operation.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a vested interest in promoting skepticism or conspiracy theories, particularly those that thrive on sensationalism or controversy. This could lead to biased reporting that emphasizes sensational claims over factual reporting.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further assess the validity of the claims regarding the staging of the Blue Origin flight, additional information would be beneficial, including:

• Technical analyses from aerospace experts regarding the spacecraft's operation and design.
• Detailed accounts or testimonies from crew members and mission control personnel.
• Independent verification of the flight's telemetry data and live-streaming footage to address specific claims made by skeptics.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Blue Origin event featuring Katy Perry was staged and never actually took place is determined to be false based on the available evidence. Key points leading to this conclusion include the live-streaming of the event, which provided real-time verification of the flight, and the lack of credible evidence supporting the assertion that it was a hoax. The claims of staging primarily rely on anecdotal interpretations and unverified assertions rather than concrete proof.

It is important to note that while skepticism can be healthy, the evidence presented by conspiracy theorists lacks substantial backing and often misinterprets or exaggerates isolated incidents. The backlash against Katy Perry may have contributed to the spread of these claims, but it does not substantiate them.

However, limitations exist in the available evidence, particularly regarding the technical aspects of the spacecraft and the potential for misinterpretation of video footage. Further independent verification and expert analysis would enhance understanding of the event.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the reliability of sources when encountering sensational claims.