Tesla has clarified that it did not compensate socialite Kim Kardashian for recent social media content featuring the company’s Optimus robot and Cybercab Robotaxi. This statement addresses speculation about a potential paid partnership.
Kardashian, known for commanding over $2 million per sponsored social media post due to her 359 million Instagram followers, recently shared images and videos of Tesla’s innovative products.
Despite her significant influencer status, her publicist confirmed to The New York Times that no financial transaction occurred between Kardashian and Tesla.
The context of Kardashian’s Tesla connection is not new. Last year, she was among the first celebrities to acquire a Cybertruck, customizing the all-electric pickup and sharing images across her social platforms.
Look at the two sexiest things on the internet this weekend. Kim Kardashian and the Tesla Cybertruck. href=”https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@elonmusk @Tesla pic.twitter.com/kzOSWj1Kpl
— Eva McMillan (@EvasTeslaSPlaid) February 24, 2024
The vehicle had gained considerable popularity among celebrities in the latter part of 2023 and early 2024.
Tesla’s well-known aversion to traditional advertising makes the speculation about a paid partnership seem unlikely.
The company appears confident that products like Optimus and Cybercab will generate visibility through their technological capabilities alone.
It appears Kardashian simply had the opportunity to experience some of Tesla’s most anticipated products, without any formal marketing arrangement.