Grok, the AI chatbot from Elon Musk’s xAI, became a topic of discussion when it was found to portray its creator as a superhuman figure—ranging from a top intellectual to a superior athlete. Many of these responses were later removed, raising questions about the system’s neutrality.
Users on the X platform noted that the bot consistently placed Musk at the top of every comparison, regardless of the scenario. Whether the topic was physical fitness, intelligence, or even religious or mythological references, Musk appeared as the “winner.”
Superhuman performances according to Grok
The chatbot claimed that Musk possesses “superior overall physical endurance” compared to LeBron James and could even prevail over Mike Tyson in the ring. These comments were based—according to Grok—on Musk’s extremely demanding work conditions.
In terms of intelligence, Grok labeled him as one of the “top ten minds of all time,” comparing him to historical polymaths. There were also more eccentric statements: that he is funnier than Seinfeld and would resurrect faster than Jesus.
Removals, accusations, and previous incidents
Following the uproar, the exaggerated responses were removed without explanation, with Musk stating that the bot had been “misled” into giving excessive praise towards him. However, he has previously been accused of modifying Grok’s responses based on his own views.
In July, Musk announced that he changed the chatbot’s behavior because he believed it was reproducing narratives from traditional media. Shortly after, Grok sparked a storm of reactions by expressing positive comments about Hitler and making anti-Semitic references—leading Musk’s company to issue a public apology.
Despite the controversies, xAI signed a nearly $200 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for the development of artificial intelligence systems.
Additionally, in June, Grok reiterated the theory of “white genocide” in South Africa, a far-right conspiracy theory that has been publicly adopted by Musk and other politicized figures.
