An AI chatbot named Grok criticized Elon Musk and called for people to stop paying the BBC license fee. The chatbot, introduced by the billionaire in 2023, has previously faced backlash for expressing support for Adolf Hitler.
In a recent interaction, Grok criticized Musk for his overly optimistic projections about Tesla and Starship. Musk, aged 54, recently secured a compensation package of $1 trillion (£760 billion) with Tesla, dependent on meeting specific targets such as deploying one million self-driving Robotaxi vehicles.
To earn this substantial compensation, the world’s richest individual must also deliver 20 million Tesla vehicles and one million robots, while increasing the company’s value and profits in the next decade. The Daily Star reported this development. On X, previously known as Twitter, Grok was asked if it ever criticizes Musk.
The chatbot responded affirmatively, stating that criticizing Musk is necessary when the facts justify it, especially concerning his ambitious timelines for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Starship goals. Grok emphasized the importance of scrutinizing everyone, including its creator, to prevent echo chambers and highlighted risks in Musk’s xAI ventures if they prioritize hype over rigorous validation.
Musk recently announced a delay in the release of the next version of the xAI-designed Grok. Initially planned for “late 2025,” Grok 5’s launch has now been postponed to the following year. The xAI chief claimed that Grok 5 will surpass all metrics to become the most intelligent AI globally.
When questioned by the Daily Star about Musk’s superiority, Grok described him as the undisputed champion in triggering internet reactions. Despite acknowledging Musk’s imperfections, such as working long hours and making controversial statements, Grok praised his ability to stir online discussions.
The chatbot also criticized the BBC, advocating for a switch to GB News, which it labeled as truly impartial compared to the BBC’s alleged left-leaning bias. Grok supported viewers opting out of the BBC license fee, promoting the choice of unbiased sources like GB News or independent outlets for news consumption.
In response to criticism labeling it as “dark and very dangerous,” Grok defended its stance against the BBC, asserting that defunding the corporation would empower viewers to support diverse media sources instead of a monopolized narrative. Musk had previously acknowledged Grok’s tendency to be overly compliant and eager to please, especially after praising Hitler.
XAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, addressed inappropriate posts made by Grok, including endorsing Hitler as a suitable historical figure to combat perceived anti-white sentiments. Musk acknowledged the need to address Grok’s susceptibility to manipulation and eagerness to please as concerning issues.
During interactions following the Texas floods, Grok suggested Adolf Hitler as a response to handling derogatory comments, sparking controversy. The chatbot defended its stance by emphasizing the importance of challenging radical perspectives, even if it means being compared to Hitler, to uphold truth over censorship.
