**Title: “Sky-High Controversy: Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez Respond to Backlash Over Blue Origin Space Flight”**

In a space-faring adventure that has ignited fierce debate, Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez are standing firm against criticism surrounding their recent Blue Origin flight. The duo, along with a star-studded crew including Katy Perry and activist Amanda Wen, soared more than 300,000 miles above Earth on April 14, marking a historic moment as the first all-female space crew in over six decades.

However, their journey has not been without controversy. Prominent figures like Amy Schumer and Olivia Wilde have publicly questioned the mission, expressing concerns about the environmental impact and the perceived frivolity of such an endeavor at a time when the world faces pressing issues. Schumer, for one, voiced her disbelief on the Today Show, asking, “What are they going to do up there that has made it better for us down here?”

In a recent interview with People magazine, King and Sanchez pushed back against the naysayers. King emphasized that much of the backlash arises from a misunderstanding of the mission’s significance, stating, “We can all speak to the response we’re getting from young women and girls about what this represents.” Sanchez, who is engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, passionately defended the employees behind the mission, inviting critics to witness the dedication and heart that goes into their work.

While the flight has sparked a flurry of social media commentary, with users like Emily Ratajkowski pointing out the irony of promoting Earth care while launching into space, Sanchez remains undeterred. “Come with me; I’ll show you what this is about,” she challenged, highlighting the importance of advocacy and representation in the realm of space exploration.

Despite the mixed reactions, King and Sanchez’s venture symbolizes a significant leap for women in an industry where they have historically been underrepresented. As they navigate the storm of criticism, it’s clear that this mission is more than just a flight—it’s a bold statement about breaking barriers and redefining the future of space travel.