When a Fast-Food Giant Takes a Swipe at a Pop Star, Who Comes Out on Top?
Earlier this year, the internet was abuzz with criticism of Katy Perry’s 11-minute sub-orbital flight aboard Blue Origin. Among the chorus of detractors was fast-food giant Wendy’s, whose social media team couldn’t resist joining the fray. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wendy’s didn’t just stop at a few snarky tweets—they went full throttle, posting comments like, “Can we send her back?” and “I kissed the ground and I liked it,” alongside a photo of Perry touching down after her space voyage. While the company later issued a half-hearted apology, claiming they “always bring a little spice to our socials,” it seems the damage was already done.
Fast forward to November, and the tables have turned. Wendy’s announced plans to close hundreds of restaurants nationwide as part of a corporate “turnaround plan” led by interim CEO Ken Cook. Enter Bradford Cobb, Katy Perry’s longtime manager, who couldn’t resist a little schadenfreude. Cobb reposted a news graphic about the closures on his Instagram Stories, leaving little doubt about his intentions. Was it petty? Maybe. But was it justified? After all, Perry herself had called out her “unhinged and unhealed” critics in an Instagram comment weeks earlier, and Wendy’s had clearly earned a spot on her list.
And this is the part most people miss: Cobb’s move might not have been just about revenge. With Perry’s latest single, “bandaid,” struggling to gain traction—clocking in at a mere 3.5 million Spotify streams—the manager’s post could have been a strategic play to drum up attention. Whether it was a calculated PR move or a genuine clapback, one thing’s for sure: the drama between Katy Perry’s camp and Wendy’s is far from over.
But here’s the real question: Did Wendy’s cross the line with their initial trolling, or is this just another example of brands leaning into internet culture? Let us know what you think in the comments—and while you’re at it, check out Katy Perry’s latest single. Will it soar higher than her space flight? Only time will tell.
