Kim Kardashian is no stranger to controversy or attention, but her recent collaboration with Tesla and Balenciaga has set the internet ablaze in unexpected ways. The reality star, entrepreneur, and SKIMS founder was spotted in a provocative photoshoot alongside Tesla’s gold robot, Optimus, and the backlash from fans has been both swift and relentless.
The collaboration, which merges cutting edge robotics with high fashion, features Kardashian dressed in a revealing ensemble. Donning a garter belt, sheer Balenciaga leggings, a cropped bomber jacket, and black pointy-toed heels, she posed in suggestive proximity to the robot. In one striking image, the gold Tesla bot sat inside an unreleased gold Tesla Cybertruck while Kardashian draped herself across its lap. In another pose, she squatted provocatively in front of the vehicle, blending her signature sultry aesthetic with the futuristic theme of the shoot.
While the high concept shoot might aim to showcase the synergy between technology and luxury fashion, Kardashian’s followers were less than impressed. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, lit up with sardonic comments.
“She finally gets a man she can control,” quipped one user. Another questioned, “Is she mentally stable?” A third, perhaps jokingly, speculated, “Kim and robot sex tape coming soon.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Kardashian posted a video on X where she flirtatiously greeted the gold robot cab driver with a coy “Hi, sir,” followed by a giggle. She captioned the post: “Optimus is here to take mw [sic] for a ride in the Cybercab.” The video generated over 1,300 comments, ranging from amused remarks like “That’s hot” to apocalyptic concerns like “We’re doomed!”
One of the most talked about photos from the campaign features a close-up of Kardashian’s hand entwined with the robot’s mechanical fingers. This intimate moment, shared on November 19, drew both fascination and ridicule. Among the flood of reactions, Tesla’s official Instagram account joined the conversation, jokingly commenting, “Optimus asked if you’re still on for dinner this Friday.”
Yet, this gold robot isn’t the only mechanical companion Kardashian has recently flaunted. Just a day earlier, on November 18, she posted a video with an all-white Tesla bot, a standard model that reportedly costs $30,000. In the video, Kardashian engaged with the robot, teaching it to make a heart gesture with its hands. “Can you do this? I love you!” she asked, gasping when it successfully mimicked the gesture. “You know how to do that?” she exclaimed, sounding genuinely impressed, if not slightly enamored.
Social media reactions to these interactions were predictably mixed. Some users likened the scene to dystopian science fiction. “Y’all think this is cute until it turns into the Terminator,” one user wrote, referencing the iconic cyborg assassin from the Terminator series. Skeptics, however, viewed the entire spectacle as a calculated marketing strategy. “This is called marketing, folks. She’s getting paid to advertise the robot,” one commenter observed, highlighting Kardashian’s reputation for monetizing attention.
Whether it’s a clever advertising campaign or a quirky attempt to merge AI with celebrity culture, Kardashian’s robotic escapades have undeniably captured public interest. While some fans remain fascinated by the futuristic theme, others see it as yet another display of excess. “Rich people are exhausting,” one fan lamented, summing up the general sentiment.
Ultimately, Kardashian’s partnership with Tesla and Balenciaga may raise questions about our relationship with technology, but it has also reaffirmed her ability to command the spotlight even when sharing it with robots. Love it or hate it, the blend of celebrity glamour, luxury fashion, and AI innovation is undeniably a bold move that has everyone talking.
