NASA Reacts To Beyonce's Controversial Song
Beyonce's use of audio from the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion has prompted NASA to speak up.
Beyonce, the 32-year-old singer, caused some controversy when she used the audio from the Challenger disaster in her song, "XO." After explaining her decision to do so recently, NASA decided to release a statement.
Lauren B. Worley, NASA's press secretary, spoke about not making light of the Challenger tragedy in a statement obtained by AP recently.
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"The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized," the statement from NASA reads. "NASA works every day to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe."
The statement comes after June Scobee Rodgers, the widow of Challenger commander Dick Scobee, spoke out about Beyonce's new song on her chart topping fifth studio album.
"We were disappointed to learn that an audio clip from the day we lost our heroic Challenger crew was used in the song 'XO,'" Rodgers told ABC. "The moment included in this son is an emotionally difficult one for the Challenger families, colleagues, and friends. We have always chosen to focus not on how our loved ones were lost, but rather on how they lived and how their legacy lives on today."
However, Beyonce explained the intentions behind using the Challenger audio on the song about a failing relationship.
"My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster," she told ABC News recently. "The song 'XO' was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you. The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten."
