Grimes’ new music video sparks claims Elon Musk based AI chatbot Ani on her
Grimes’ latest music video for her new single Artificial Angels has reignited speculation that Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Ani, was modelled after the Canadian musician and former partner.
In June, Musk unveiled his AI avatar, Ani, which immediately drew comparisons to both real and fictional figures, including Grimes and Death Note’s Misa Amane. The resemblance, combined with the couple’s past relationship, led fans to question whether Musk drew inspiration from his ex.
grimes on artificial angel’s mv pic.twitter.com/fy5bewJnpq
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, shares three children with Musk. Their relationship ended in a highly publicised custody dispute. On October 20, she released the Artificial Angels video, featuring recurring appearances by Ani. The visuals depict Grimes dancing alongside the AI chatbot before seemingly transforming into Ani herself.
The video’s timing added to the speculation, as Musk unfollowed Grimes on X the day before its release. Fans were quick to link the move to the music video’s imagery. “Is this why Elon unfollowed Grimes again? She lowkey confirmed what we were all thinking: Ani was modelled after her,” one viewer commented. Others echoed similar sentiments, calling the video “a masterclass” in turning art into commentary.
Grimes has previously referenced anime and AI in her work. The visual parallels between Ani and Misa Amane from Death Note have further fuelled theories, especially as Grimes has expressed admiration for the manga and referenced it in her 2022 track Shinigami Eyes.
While the singer has not confirmed the speculation, fans continue to dissect the symbolism in Artificial Angels.