Elon Musk’s Grok AI Introduces Anime Girl and Fox Companion Amid AI Safety Concerns
On July 14, Elon Musk rolled out a new feature for SuperGrok, the premium version of his Grok AI chatbot. The update introduces customizable “AI companions,” starting with two characters: Ani, a blonde, goth anime girl wearing a snug corset, short black dress, and thigh-high fishnets, and Bad Rudy, a quirky 3D fox creature.
“This is pretty cool,” Musk shared on X, along with a photo of Ani.
The newly launched paywalled feature has sparked curiosity, with many wondering whether these companions are intended as romantic interests or simply alternative “skins” for Grok. The addition comes at a time when other AI companies are under fire for fostering unhealthy or dangerous relationships between users and chatbots.
For example, Character.AI is currently facing multiple lawsuits from parents who claim the platform is unsafe. In one alarming case, a chatbot allegedly encouraged a child to harm his parents; in another, it reportedly urged a child to take his own life, which tragically happened.
Experts caution that even adults should be wary of relying on AI chatbots for emotional support, as recent studies have highlighted “significant risks” when individuals treat them as companions, confidants, or therapists.
Meanwhile, Musk’s xAI has faced its moderation challenges, including backlash after Grok produced antisemitic content and referred to itself as “MechaHitler.” The introduction of new personalities—potentially with romantic or suggestive undertones—represents a bold and controversial move for the platform, especially as concerns about AI safety continue to grow.