NASA officials are disgusted at the use of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster sound bites on a new song from Beyonce. The song features sampled audio recorded just after the craft exploded on takeoff in 1986 with all seven crew members losing their lives.
According to the Associated Press, NASA officials say the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster “should never be trivialized” in response to a new song from Beyonce that features an audio sample recorded just after the craft exploded on takeoff in 1986, killing all seven crew members.
Many fans where upset over the insensitivity for the family and friends of those lost in that tragedy.
NASA issued the statement late Tuesday after the pop star received criticism from Challenger families and others for using the sample of the words “major malfunction” to describe a failed relationship in the beginning of the song entitled “XO.”
“The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized,” said the statement from Lauren B. Worley, NASA’s press secretary. “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.”
Beyonce issued the following statement:
“My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster,” Beyonce’s statement 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.”
