Anthony Anderson criticises Artemis mission cost and says money should fix problems on Earth

The actor’s comments about the Artemis programme sparked online discussion about whether he was joking or serious

Anthony Anderson has sparked debate online after criticising the cost of NASA’s lunar exploration programme, suggesting that money spent on space travel should instead be used to address problems on Earth.

The actor and comedian shared his views during a recent encounter with reporters at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was asked about the ongoing Artemis II mission. The mission is designed to send astronauts around the Moon as part of NASA’s long term effort to return humans to the lunar surface.

Anderson made it clear that he was not enthusiastic about the idea.

According to the interaction captured on video, the performer questioned the priorities behind the expensive programme. He argued that the funds required for such missions could instead be used to tackle pressing social issues closer to home.

He reportedly said it “makes zero sense” to spend vast amounts of money sending astronauts around the Moon while many communities still struggle with issues such as homelessness and underfunded public services.

During the same remarks, Anderson also referenced broader concerns including immigration enforcement and rising living costs, suggesting those issues should take priority over space exploration.

Because Anderson is primarily known as a comedian, some viewers wondered whether his comments were meant as a joke. However, the tone of the exchange suggests he was expressing a genuine opinion rather than delivering a comedic bit. The actor appeared animated and spoke seriously about what he sees as misplaced national priorities.

The comments quickly circulated on social media, where reactions were mixed. Some users agreed with Anderson’s perspective, arguing that governments should focus more on domestic issues. Others pushed back, noting that space programmes often generate technological innovation and scientific discoveries that benefit society.

The discussion comes as NASA’s Artemis programme continues to attract global attention. Artemis II is scheduled as the first crewed mission of the new lunar exploration era and will send astronauts on a flyby of the Moon before returning to Earth, a key step toward future landings.

Alongside the recent headlines, Anderson has also faced renewed scrutiny over controversies from earlier in his career. The actor has been the subject of several sexual assault allegations dating back to the early 2000s. In 2004, he and another man were accused of raping a woman who worked as an extra on the film ‘Hustle and Flow’, but the charges were dismissed after a judge determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

That same year, another woman filed a lawsuit claiming Anderson assaulted her after taping an episode of his television show, while a separate allegation surfaced in 2018 involving an alleged assault at an event. In the latter case, prosecutors ultimately declined to file charges after the accuser chose not to cooperate with investigators.

Anderson has consistently denied all allegations.