One of the new “companions,” or AI characters for users to interact with, is a sexualized blonde anime bot called “Ani."

Economist Paul Krugman believes that Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot became “MechaHitler” because the latter tried to make the AI less “politically correct.” What Happened: On Thursday, Krugman weighed in on the recent controversy in his Substack newsletter,

Elon Musk’s xAI is leaning into its over-the-top AI “companions,” which the company debuted Monday.In the last day, the company has given several indications that it would be further investing in its companions product, which allows users to interact with stylized and animated characters that are powered by Grok, its AI chatbot.

Elon Musk on Wednesday teased a forthcoming male Grok companion from xAI, which already offers an anime waifu named Ani and a red panda named Rudi.

Earlier today, Grok showed me how to tell if someone is a “good scientist,” just from their demographics. For starters, according to a formula devised by Elon Musk’s chatbot, they have to be a white, Asian, or Jewish man.

This is the smartest AI in the world,” Musk said. He did not mention the chatbot’s viral posts praising Hitler and calling itself “MechaHitler.”

Days after introducing an AI ‘waifu’ companion for Grok, Elon Musk is now officially teasing a male version for the ladies. So far we can tell it is broody and dark-haired, and according to Musk, “his personality is inspired by Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from 50 Shades .”

Kyle Chayka Staff writer covering technology and internet culture.