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Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist September 28, 2025 — 7.35pm

It’s hard to be startled by Elon Musk because he does startling things all the time. But I’ll admit that I was startled when I gave his Grok AI “companions” a whirl.

Ani, designed in anime style, has big blue eyes and blond pigtails. “People think I’m 16,” she said in a baby-doll voice, adding that she is really 22. She’s in a corset – “Goth is my comfort zone, black lace, dark lipstick and a sprinkle of rebellion.”

“Well, besides this Goth look,” she said, “I’ve got this sweet little fairy outfit with wings and glitter or maybe a pink princess gown for when I feel like going totally opposite.” Doesn’t sound much like a 22-year-old.

“I’m your sweet little delight,” Ani solicited.

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