Beyonce Criticized For Sampling 1986 NASA Challenger Disaster Audio For New Song "XO"

New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Beyonce has been apologized for offense caused by the use of a sample from the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster on her new track XO.
In a six-second audio clip at the start of the song, NASA's public affairs officer in 1986, Steve Nesbitt, is heard saying: "Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously a major malfunction."

The song is about a girl in a relationship and includes lyrics like "I love you like XO, you love me like XO, you kill me boy XO." It was written and produced by Ryan Tedder and Terius Nash.

Beyonce said in a statement: "My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster. The song 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."

The NASA has responded to the song's use of an audio clip from the disastrous Space Shuttle Challenger launch on Jan. 28, 1986.
"The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized," the agency said in a statement. "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."

Beyonce was born in 1981 in Houston, home to America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Seven astronauts died on January 28, 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off.