Kim Kardashian is facing criticism over a recent Perfect Magazine photoshoot featuring Tesla’s Cybertruck and Optimus robot. The 44-year-old reality star and business mogul shared the images on Instagram, showcasing the futuristic vehicles from Elon Musk’s company.
The shoot, reportedly held in Malibu in November 2024, includes a striking nighttime image of Kardashian lying on a bed by a rocky coastline. In an interview with Perfect Magazine’s Michael Holden, she acknowledged the irony of posing with the humanoid robot. “I think the big joke of me even doing the shoot with the robot is that I feel like I’m so robotic,” she said.
Despite the sleek aesthetic, Kardashian’s collaboration with Tesla has drawn backlash. Critics point to Musk’s mounting controversies, including Tesla’s declining sales, stock troubles, and his ties to former President Donald Trump. According to The New York Times, public discontent has grown over Musk’s political affiliations, his influence on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and a recent salute that critics compared to a Nazi gesture. Many question why Kardashian, an advocate for criminal justice reform, would align herself with Musk at such a contentious moment.
Kardashian’s connection to Tesla isn’t new. Business Insider reported that she became a Cybertruck owner in February 2024, months before Trump’s controversial White House event, where Tesla vehicles were prominently displayed on the South Lawn—an event widely seen as a political favor to Musk.
Adding to the scrutiny, Kim Kardashian had already showcased her fascination with Tesla’s innovations. Last November, around the same time as her Perfect Magazine shoot, she posted videos of herself interacting with the Optimus robot on social media.
While Kardashian has remained silent on the backlash, the criticism highlights the ongoing debate over celebrity endorsements, corporate ethics, and the blurred lines between politics and pop culture. As Tesla faces increasing scrutiny, Kardashian’s association with the company raises questions about whether star power can shield brands from controversy—or if it only amplifies the divide.
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