BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Kim Kardashian has done it again — stirring controversy online, but this time it’s with a robot. In a series of Instagram stories and posts on X, the media mogul introduced Tesla’s bipedal humanoid robot, Optimus, to her millions of followers.
What started as a seemingly lighthearted interaction quickly spiraled into viral chatter when Kardashian referred to the robot as her “soulmate.” Fans were left divided, with some calling the claim bizarre and others dubbing it a publicity stunt for Tesla.
In the video, Kardashian is seen playfully instructing Optimus to perform gestures like making a heart shape with their hands, dancing in a luau style, and even engaging in a game of rock, paper, and scissors.
While Optimus obliged, fans were quick to point out that the robot wasn’t autonomous but likely controlled by humans, as Tesla’s recent “We, Robot” event revealed. Despite this, Kardashian’s apparent fascination with the robot struck many as unusual, fueling debates about her “relationship” with the machine.
Adding to the spectacle, Kardashian was later seen with a gold-plated version of Optimus inside Tesla’s Cybercab, an autonomous vehicle still years away from production. Describing the car as “insane” and “crazy,” Kardashian gushed over the futuristic ride. However, Elon Musk’s ambitious timelines have often been scrutinized, with many noting that his promises about Tesla’s robotaxi rollout have yet to materialize after nearly five years.
The real controversy lies in whether this was a genuine encounter or covert marketing for Tesla. While Kardashian didn’t disclose the video as paid sponsorships, something legally required for influencers — her close ties to Tesla are well-documented. She owns a Cybertruck and has previously flaunted it on social media. Yet, the public remains skeptical about whether her latest interaction was orchestrated.
Social media erupted with comments ranging from humorous takes to outright criticism. “Kim finally found someone who won’t talk back,” joked one user. Others questioned the ethical implications of glorifying robots in an era when AI’s role in human life is already under scrutiny.
Whether a calculated PR move or an eccentric display of tech curiosity, Kim Kardashian and her robotic “soulmate” have certainly reignited conversations about AI’s place in pop culture.
