In an unexpected and bold statement, media mogul and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has publicly criticized Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s highly anticipated $1 billion humanoid robot, calling it “pathetic” and not worth the massive investment. The comments come after Kardashian had the opportunity to interact with the robot, known as Optimus, during a private demonstration at Tesla’s headquarters.

Musk, who unveiled the humanoid robot earlier this year as part of Tesla’s push into AI and robotics, touted the Optimus robot as a revolutionary step toward solving labor shortages and transforming industries. However, Kardashian’s remarks have cast doubt on the robot’s viability and raised questions about whether the huge price tag can be justified.

Optimus, which Musk had promised would be capable of performing tasks ranging from mundane household chores to complex manufacturing jobs, is one of Tesla’s most ambitious projects to date. The robot is powered by Tesla’s advanced artificial intelligence and robotics technology, designed to mimic human movements and assist with a wide variety of tasks.

While Musk has continuously hyped Optimus as the future of automation, Kardashian’s blunt critique follows her experience at a recent showcase. “Honestly, it wasn’t even impressive,” Kardashian said during an interview shortly after the demonstration. “I mean, the thing couldn’t even walk properly. How is that worth a billion dollars? It’s pathetic.”

Kardashian’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about whether Optimus is truly ready for the market, especially considering the staggering price tag attached to the project. Critics have raised concerns that, despite its potential, the technology is still in its early stages and may not be as functional as Musk has led the public to believe.

The $1 billion price for the Optimus robot is part of Tesla’s broader strategy to dominate the robotics market. Musk has repeatedly expressed his belief that humanoid robots will be integral to the future of Tesla and its vision of a more efficient, automated world. However, the large-scale rollout of such technology faces numerous obstacles, including significant technological hurdles, high production costs, and limited real-world applications.

“While I respect Elon and his innovations, I’m not seeing what all the hype is about with this robot,” Kardashian continued. “I think there are so many other ways to spend that kind of money to make a real impact. It feels like a distraction rather than a breakthrough.”

Kardashian’s comments, which are being widely discussed on social media and in tech circles, reflect a growing skepticism about Musk’s lofty promises regarding AI and automation. While Musk has been known for his bold statements—ranging from space exploration to electric cars—his ventures into AI and robotics have faced scrutiny from both industry experts and the general public.

Some have pointed out that despite the immense interest surrounding Musk’s projects, his ambitious timelines and expectations often clash with reality. Optimus, which Musk has claimed could revolutionize the workforce and change the way we live, still faces many challenges. Critics argue that there is still a long way to go before the robot can perform even basic tasks, let alone the more complex operations Musk envisions.

In response to Kardashian’s critique, Elon Musk has stood firm, defending the potential of Optimus. Speaking at a recent event, Musk addressed the criticisms directly. “I understand that not everyone sees the potential right away,” Musk said. “But we’re just getting started. This robot is the future of work, and like any breakthrough technology, it will take time to refine.”

Musk also emphasized that Optimus is not only about replacing human labor but about creating a new paradigm in which robots can coexist with humans to improve quality of life. “The robot is not perfect, but neither was the Tesla when we first introduced it. We’re in this for the long haul,” he added.

The public’s reaction to Kardashian’s comments has been mixed. Some of her followers agree with her skepticism, questioning the feasibility of a $1 billion robot that, according to her, can’t even perform basic tasks. “If it can’t even walk properly, how can it do anything else?” one fan tweeted.

On the other hand, many of Musk’s supporters continue to believe in the potential of Optimus, arguing that the robot represents a major leap forward in AI and robotics. “It’s early days, and Elon has a track record of proving the doubters wrong,” said one Tesla enthusiast. “Give it time.”

Kim Kardashian’s bold critique of Optimus serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can be subject to scrutiny. While Elon Musk’s $1 billion humanoid robot may have potential, it’s clear that it still has a long way to go before it lives up to its lofty promises. As both fans and critics continue to weigh in on the future of Tesla’s robotics division, it remains to be seen whether Optimus will fulfill Musk’s vision of a world transformed by intelligent automation—or whether it will be remembered as a costly experiment that didn’t quite live up to the hype.