Did Wendy's get it right? Let's hear from two Copacino Fujikado voices:
Wendy’s has always had a Twitter (X) personality that throws shade, roasts people and brands, and has a generally DGAF, snarky tone. After iffy reception of her single “Woman’s World,” Katy Perry has been Twitter’s celebrity flop-of-the-moment, even before the spaceflight. It only makes sense that Wendy’s would pile on the Katy Perry hate.
It can’t be ignored that the “Send her back” tweet was a reply to the PopCrave account (another fave of those who are chronically online—myself included).
Having a tweet go viral is one thing. But a reply? You’re only talking to people who are in on the joke, and more than likely already follow and expect this kind of tone from Wendy’s. Their clapbacks have always been democratized—everyone can get one if they’ve done something to deserve it.
Given that the space mission was controversial in itself, it only makes sense a little controversy online should go with it. And on the heels of their National Roast Day in January, Wendy’s brand tone fits it to a tee.
IMO, it’s all in good fun. And at the end of the day, Wendy’s beef is always fresh, never frozen. ;)
I hate to throw a cold Frosty on this flame-grilled roast, but I don’t like it.
Yes, I chuckled at first. The Wendy’s X account is known for its edgy roasts and usually, I’m here for it. But when they tweeted “send her back” after Katy Perry’s Blue Origin mission, the punchline landed somewhere between tone-deaf and loaded. Peel back the onion, and it reeks of casual misogyny.
This wasn’t just a jab. It’s a brand with 3.7 million followers publicly mocking a woman’s spaceflight. Why?
Their follow-up tweet didn’t help: “When we said women in stem this isn’t what we meant.” That one didn’t just add insult to injury—it confirmed the intention. It wasn’t a throwaway joke. It was a dig, crafted to humiliate under the guise of humor.
It immediately brought to mind America Ferrera’s monologue in Barbie and the impossible standards women are held to. You have to be successful but humble. Ambitious but likable. Brave but not a try-hard. Entertaining but not too much. Katy Perry went to space and got roasted. A woman. A pop star. Too sparkly, too public, too female for the boys’ club of aerospace tourism.
Let’s not forget: Blue Origin has sent William Shatner, Michael Strahan, and Coby Cotton on these joyrides. Each received respectful, celebratory media coverage about the inspiring journey. But when Katy Perry boards the same rocket, “send her back” took center stage.
Was this mission partly a publicity stunt? Sure. So were the others. But this one was different. It had the potential to inspire girls in STEM. Instead, the loudest cultural takeaway wasn’t awe or inspiration, it was a brand-fueled burn that doubled as a punch down.
Wendy’s may be “just joking,” but there’s a responsibility that comes with a megaphone. Especially when the target is a woman trying to do something big.
Even a good roast knows its boundaries.
