In one of the images shared on Instagram, Kardashian can be seen sitting on the robot’s lap, wearing nude-colored Balenciaga leggings and a black bomber jacket. Another photo shows her holding the robot’s hand while sitting inside a gold Tesla Cybertruck, captioned simply with an alien emoji. In response to the buzz, Kardashian’s rep told The New York Times on Friday that she “was not paid” for the photo shoot.

This futuristic collaboration also included a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), where Kardashian introduced the robot to her 75.1 million followers. “Hello! Can you do this? I love you?” she asked, teaching the robot to form a heart shape with its hand. The video concluded with Kardashian expressing surprise as Optimus successfully performed the gesture. Another clip, titled “Optimus here to take me for a Cybercab ride,” showed the robot sitting inside the Tesla Cybertruck.

The reaction from fans and critics was swift. Some dubbed Optimus as her “less attentive boyfriend,” while others questioned the motives behind the campaign. “I wonder how much Tesla and Elon had to pay Kim to do this,” one user wrote. Another commented, “Sorry Kim, you won’t normalize this bizarre behavior for us. We don’t want this!”

The campaign sparked debates not only about its artistic purpose but also about using advanced technology in celebrity endorsements. Tesla’s Optimus robot, first announced by Elon Musk in 2021, has been billed as the future of robotics, with potential applications ranging from household assistance to factory work. By incorporating the robot into a fashion campaign, Kardashian highlighted the blend of technology and popular culture.

The collaboration between Kim Kardashian and Tesla’s Optimus robot serves as a unique intersection of fashion, technology, and celebrity culture. It raises important questions about how advanced technology is used in advertising and celebrity branding. Some argue that it helps demystify the technology and make it more relatable, while others believe it trivializes the technology’s potential and purpose.

The Bigger Picture

While the robot’s incorporation into a high-fashion campaign could be seen as a gimmick, it also demonstrates how celebrities can drive interest and discussions around technology. The photoshoot brings attention to both Tesla’s Optimus and Balenciaga’s innovative designs, blurring the lines between art, technology, and fashion. It’s a bold move that exemplifies the ever-evolving nature of celebrity endorsements and the tech industry.

The controversy surrounding this campaign could signal a shift in how consumers perceive technology in everyday life. As brands and celebrities explore new ways to integrate tech into their campaigns, the focus may increasingly be on blending high fashion, art, and emerging technology. This could help to create a more nuanced and accessible conversation about the future of tech and its role in our lives.