APPLETON, Wis. — NASA officials have publicly rebuked reality television star Kim Kardashian after she expressed doubts about the authenticity of the 1969 moon landing during a recent episode of her Hulu series, reigniting a long-standing debate over one of the most famous achievements in space exploration history.
In the episode, which aired last Thursday, Kardashian reportedly told her family members that she does not believe the Apollo 11 mission actually landed humans on the moon. According to a transcript obtained by NBC News, she said, "I mean, come on, guys, the moon landing? It's all fake, right? Like, they filmed it in a studio or something." This offhand remark quickly went viral on social media, drawing both amusement and criticism from users around the world.
NASA responded swiftly on Friday with a statement posted to its official website and social media channels. Bill Nelson, the agency's administrator, addressed the comments directly in a video message. "We at NASA are committed to education and transparency," Nelson said. "The Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969, was a monumental achievement that involved over 400,000 people and resulted in Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the lunar surface. Claims that it was staged are not only unfounded but diminish the incredible work of our scientists and astronauts."
The controversy stems from Kardashian's appearance on "The Kardashians," her family's reality show that has been streaming on Hulu since 2022. The specific episode, titled "Family Doubts," featured a casual dinner conversation where Kardashian, 43, shared her skepticism. Sources close to the production told NBC News that the comment was unscripted, arising from a discussion about conspiracy theories in popular culture.
Historians and space experts point out that moon landing conspiracy theories have persisted for decades, often fueled by misinformation and a lack of understanding of the scientific evidence. The Apollo 11 mission, launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Armstrong's famous words upon stepping onto the moon — "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" — were broadcast live to an estimated 650 million viewers worldwide.
To counter such doubts, NASA has long maintained an extensive archive of evidence, including thousands of photographs, video footage, and rock samples brought back from the moon. Dr. Paul Byrne, a planetary scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, explained in an interview with NBC News that independent verification comes from sources like the Soviet Union, which monitored the mission at the time and never disputed its authenticity. "If it were a hoax, our Cold War rivals would have been the first to call it out," Byrne said.
Kardashian's comments echo those made by other celebrities over the years. For instance, in 2001, comedian and actress Whoopi Goldberg expressed similar doubts on "The View," prompting a response from NASA at the time. More recently, NBA star Kyrie Irving has publicly questioned whether the Earth is flat, drawing parallels to how pseudoscience spreads through influential figures.
Public reaction to Kardashian's statement has been mixed. On Twitter, now known as X, hashtags like #MoonLandingHoax and #NASAClapsBack trended over the weekend, with some users defending her right to question historical events and others accusing her of spreading misinformation. A poll conducted by YouGov on Saturday showed that 12% of Americans under 30 believe the moon landing was staged, a figure that has remained relatively stable since the 1970s according to Gallup surveys.
NASA's rebuttal included a link to its "Moon Hoax" debunking page, which details common myths. For example, one frequent claim is that the American flag appears to "wave" in the vacuum of space, but NASA explains this as the result of the flag being unfurled in low gravity. "We've left reflectors on the moon that scientists still use today to measure distances with lasers," said NASA spokesperson Rebecca Roth in the video. "That's tangible proof anyone can verify."
"The evidence is overwhelming," Roth continued. "From the 842 pounds of moon rocks analyzed by geologists worldwide to the tracking data from observatories in multiple countries, the Apollo missions were real and transformative."
Despite the agency's firm stance, some conspiracy theorists remain unconvinced. Bill Kaysing, often called the father of moon hoax theories, published a book in 1976 claiming the landings were filmed in a Nevada desert. Although Kaysing passed away in 2005, his ideas continue to circulate online, amplified by platforms like YouTube and TikTok. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that 25% of U.S. adults believe in at least one conspiracy theory related to space exploration.
Kardashian has not yet responded publicly to NASA's criticism, but a representative for the star told People magazine that her comments were meant in jest. "Kim was just sharing a fun theory she's heard; she respects NASA's work and the astronauts' bravery," the representative said. This aligns with previous instances where celebrities have backtracked on controversial statements, such as when musician B.o.B. released a song about flat Earth in 2016 but later clarified it as artistic expression.
The incident highlights broader issues in media literacy and the influence of celebrities on public opinion. Education advocates, like those from the National Science Teaching Association, argue that such moments provide teachable opportunities. "When high-profile figures question established science, it underscores the need for better STEM education," said Erika Shugart, the association's CEO, in a statement to NBC News.
Looking ahead, NASA is preparing for its Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2026. Officials hope that live footage from these missions will further dispel doubts. "Artemis will be streamed in real-time with unprecedented detail," Nelson said in his message. "We invite everyone, including skeptics, to watch and learn."
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of how historical events can be reexamined through modern lenses, often blending entertainment with education. Whether Kardashian's remarks lead to more public discourse on space science or fade as another celebrity anecdote remains to be seen, but NASA's proactive response underscores its dedication to preserving the legacy of the Apollo era.