S. Samuel
Grammy-winning singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has stepped forward to speak out after being slammed for using audio from the tragic 1980's space shuttle Challenger disaster.
Despite being perceived as a heartless move, Bey has stood behind using the audio on her new “XO” track.
“My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster,” she said. “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.” (Statement)
Although Challenger is not directly referenced, people familiar with the tragedy could connect to the clip.
In the video of the song, from Beyoncé’s newly released album, NASA public affairs officer Steve Nesbitt is heard over a black screen and some flashing lights stating, “Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction,” he continues over a close-up of Beyoncé standing against a lighted wall at Coney Island. Challenger is not mentioned by name. The song, written and produced by Beyoncé, Ryan Tedder and Terius “The-Dream” Nash, concerns a troubled relationship. “This choice of historic and solemn audio is inappropriate in the extreme,” former NASA employee Keith Cowing, proprietor of website NASAWatch.com, told ABC. (Newsday)
Family and victims affiliated with the Challenger’s fatal malfunction have spoken out.
Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, whose husband was flight commander Dick Scobee, reacted with a statement to CNN TV affiliate Central Florida News 13 in Orlando. “We were disappointed to learn that an audio clip from the day we lost our heroic Challenger crew was used in the song ‘XO,'” she said. “The moment included in this song is an emotionally difficult one for the Challenger families, colleagues and friends.” (CNN)
A NASA spokesperson has also addressed the controversy surrounding Bey’s song.
“The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized,” NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said. “NASA works everyday to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe.” (CNN)
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Check out “XO”:
