Reality TV personality Kim Kardashian has stirred up a storm of discussion by claiming the Apollo 11 moon landing of 1969 was a fabrication. During a recent episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kardashian, alongside actress Sarah Paulson, shared her theories, which are heavily influenced by content she found on TikTok. This sudden take from a celebrity about a landmark event in space history has drawn attention for both its implications and the way it reflects current attitudes toward conspiracy theories.

Kardashian backed her assertion with claims and questionable interpretations of evidence, primarily focusing on astronaut Buzz Aldrin. She asserted, “I’m sending you, like, so far, a million articles, interviews, with both Buzz Aldrin and — the other one,” while referencing Neil Armstrong. This vague yet dramatic approach reinforces her reliance on social media as a source for controversial opinions.

The core of her theory includes familiar arguments espoused by moon landing skeptics, such as the waving American flag and the pristine footprints left on the lunar surface. Kardashian argued that the absence of stars in photographs is also significant. She said, “This girl says, ‘What was the scariest moment?’ And [Aldrin] goes, ‘There was no scary moment, ’cause it didn’t happen.’” In her view, Aldrin’s statements seemingly indicate he is admitting that the moon landing was staged. As Kardashian put it, “He’s gotten old, and he, like, slurs on his thinking.”

In a confessional segment, her conviction strengthened. “I don’t think we did [go to the moon]. I think it was fake,” she reiterated, expecting backlash but brushing it off with, “They’re gonna say I’m crazy no matter what.” Here, Kardashian’s determination to stand firm in her beliefs, no matter the criticism, echoes a broader trend where public figures take bold stances on controversial subjects.

NASA’s response to Kardashian’s claims was swift, authored by Acting Administrator Sean Duffy, who pointed out the agency’s history: “We’ve been to the moon six times.” He reminded her that NASA’s mission continues with future endeavors under the Artemis program. Duffy emphasized, “We won the last space race and we will win this one too,” accentuating the pride and accomplishment tied to space exploration.

In light of Kardashian’s controversially simplistic reasoning, mainstream media like People magazine has weighed in, stating, “Everything Kim Kardashian Just Said About the Moon Landing Is Wrong.” The outlet detailed scientific counterpoints to her claims, explaining how the flag was secured with a rod, why overshoes were left behind, and how camera settings explained the lack of visible stars. Such factual rebuttals highlight the importance of scientific literacy in public discourse, especially when high-profile personalities propagate misinformation.

Moreover, Buzz Aldrin himself is no stranger to conspiracy theorists. At 95 years old, he famously confronted claims about his moon landing experience when he punched conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel in 2002 after being accused of lying.

As the conversation about the moon landing continues to unfold, allying celebrity culture with conspiracy theories raises important questions about the influence of stars and social media on public perceptions. Kardashian’s remarks may seem outlandish to many, but they reflect a growing suspicion of authenticity and truth in the information age.

The incident underscores a significant cultural moment where the intersection of fame and disinformation garners ample attention. While some may dismiss Kardashian’s theory as mere entertainment, others might see it as an example of why critical thinking and scientific understanding remain essential in today’s society.