This week, Katy Perry, the American singer known for her vibrant pop music, expressed feeling like a “human Piñata” due to the online backlash she has faced in recent weeks.
The description was a vivid metaphor, but the sentiment conveyed was serious. A decade after her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance, Perry’s participation in the Blue Origin spaceflight has stirred public ridicule, and her fame has taken a downturn.
Her emotional reaction upon landing — kissing the ground and declaring a deep connection to love — was widely mocked. Even fast-food chain Wendy’s joined in with a humorous remark asking, “Can we send her back?”
Perry has since faced criticism on her ongoing world tour, which kicked off in Mexico on April 23. Trolls have attacked her dance moves and performances, leading to a cold reception for the once beloved pop star. Perry blamed the “unhinged and unhealed” nature of the internet for the backlash, but is it all due to toxic social media?
A Struggle with Reinvention
Music critic Michael Cragg, who authored Reach for the Stars, believes Perry’s primary issue is her inability to adapt to the evolving pop landscape. He argues that she has become increasingly out of sync with the times.
“Her pop persona was solidified in the 2010s, marked by playful, cartoonish antics — think whipped cream bras and oversized braces,” Cragg notes.
For a time, this approach worked well. Her second album Teenage Dream produced five chart-topping singles, achieving a feat on par with Michael Jackson. The follow-up Prism included massive hits like “Roar” and “Dark Horse.” However, Perry hasn’t matched these achievements with her recent work.
“It feels like she hasn’t evolved,” Cragg adds. Her latest single, Woman’s World, touted as an anthem of female empowerment, failed to impress, receiving criticism for its simplistic lyrics.
Another controversy surrounded the song’s production by Dr. Luke, a figure tainted by his legal battle with Kesha over allegations of sexual assault. Although the issue was resolved in 2023, Perry’s involvement with Dr. Luke remains a source of discomfort for some fans.
The single failed to break into the top 50 in both the U.S. and the UK. “Her attempt at spiritual messaging doesn’t seem to resonate with a generation of online pop fans,” says Cragg.
This marks the latest in a series of attempts to reinvent herself, starting with 2017’s Witness, where Perry attempted a more socially conscious musical direction. But songs like “Chained to the Rhythm,” which critiqued mindless pop culture, were undermined by others like “Bon Appétit,” which objectified her.
Changing Landscape for Female Pop Stars
The world of female pop stardom has evolved. New stars like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX stand out for their authenticity and fierce self-confidence. In contrast, Perry has been trying to distance herself from her earlier pop persona, as evidenced by her 2017 statement: “I created this character called Katy Perry because I didn’t want to be Katheryn Hudson. It was too scary.”
Perry’s debut hit, “I Kissed A Girl,” sparked controversy for its portrayal of lesbianism as a fetish, a far cry from the genuine queer awakening conveyed by artists like Roan today.
“The constant flip-flopping between different personas feels disjointed in today’s pop culture, where clearly defined and authentic pop stars are thriving,” Cragg argues.
Despite the success of her Las Vegas residency between 2021 and 2023, which embraced her surreal image, Perry’s charm seems to be waning with newer generations. “She’s perceived as cringeworthy,” Cragg concludes. “A billionaire sending her to space, while the world faces issues like war and climate change, just doesn’t seem appropriate in today’s climate.”
The Role of Social Media and Cultural Backlash
The intensity of the backlash against Perry may reflect broader issues within pop culture that extend beyond her actions. The rise of toxic online environments has made it more difficult for celebrities to connect with their fans without facing harsh judgment.
Simon Diego, the founder of Brazil’s Portal Katy Perry fan community, described the online abuse Perry has faced as “unbelievable.” In response, a collective of fans paid for a Times Square billboard message expressing their support: “We’re so proud of you and your magical journey and we love you to the moon and back.”
Perry herself acknowledged the online vitriol, referring to it as the “Piñata” experience. Diego believes that many celebrities, including Perry, now feel unsafe in what was once their connection to fans: social media.
Additionally, Perry has remained private about her personal life, including her decision not to post images of her daughter online, a boundary that was breached by critics after the spaceflight incident.
Misogyny in the Spotlight
Georgie McCourt, editor of Marie Claire Australia, believes misogyny is a contributing factor to the hostility directed at Perry. “Women like Perry, who are ambitious, unapologetic, and hyper-visible, face an intensity of scrutiny that male stars don’t,” McCourt wrote, noting that other male celebrities who have ventured into space have not faced similar levels of criticism.
What’s Next for Katy Perry?
Looking ahead, Cragg suggests that a successful single could help stabilize Perry’s career. “A hit song may not bring her back to the peak of her career, but it could steady the ship,” he says.
While Perry may have misjudged the public mood with some of her recent choices, the ongoing cultural shifts in both the music industry and social media are likely playing a significant role in the backlash she faces.
