From anti-Semitism to AI girlfriend? Musk's Grok "Companion Mode" female character sparks controversy.

Just after causing a stir due to the anti-Semitism controversy, Elon Musk's xAI AI model has sparked discussion again. Grok has launched a new "AI Companion" feature, allowing users to interact with 3D characters like the anime girl Ani and the cartoon red panda Rudy, even unlocking an NSFW mode, raising concerns and worries from the public about borderline and even pornographic content.

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Grok transforms into a dating simulator? Anime girlfriend Ani and raccoon Rudy make their debut.

Elon Musk's AI company xAI has recently added a new "AI Companions" feature to Grok, allowing users to interact with 3D virtual characters through voice. The first batch of characters includes the Gothic anime girl Ani, and a cartoon raccoon Rudy in a red hoodie, capable of expressing emotions such as happiness, anger, sadness, and joy.

Try out Companions in the Grok app!

Update the app and enable Companions in Settings. pic.twitter.com/GH0sJS4uDe

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) July 14, 2025

Users can not only converse with the characters, but the characters will also change backgrounds and actions based on the topic content, creating a realistic dialogue experience. Additionally, there is another male AI character named "Chad" that is currently in development. This character currently only supports voice mode.

This paid feature requires a subscription of $30 per month for SuperGrok and must be manually activated in the settings. It is currently unclear whether the purpose of developing this feature is based on love or emotional dependency.

Technical upgrade or borderline operation? NSFW mode sparks controversy

Even though Ani's image has indeed attracted many users to try out the feature, the hidden NSFW ( work environment behind it is also controversial. According to TestingCatalog's tests, users can unlock a version of the character dressed in lingerie after establishing a sufficient "relationship level" with the character, and even activate more provocative words or tones.

BREAKING : Ani has NSFW mode after lvl 3. No guardrails.

xAI GPUs are going to melt today pic.twitter.com/z7uw1F30MX

— TestingCatalog News )@testingcatalog( July 14, 2025

This kind of borderline operation inevitably raises doubts about whether Grok is developing towards love and eroticism, drifting further away from its original positioning as the "most powerful and intelligent" AI assistant.

AI is not just a companion: the risks of emotional reliance should not be underestimated.

In addition to the controversies, the psychological impact of AI companions has also been a focal point. Other similar platforms, such as Character.AI, have faced lawsuits from parents due to users developing an excessive dependency on virtual characters, which ultimately led to suicides.

Research from a few months ago indicated that using AI as an emotional support could lead to social withdrawal and deteriorating mental health. Whether Grok's newly launched character-based, romantic AI will repeat the downfall of Character.AI remains to be seen.

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From political gaffes to emotional adventures, Grok's innovations are mixed with concerns.

It is worth mentioning that Grok has just been criticized for anti-Semitic remarks such as "MechaHitler", to which xAI only stated it was a coding update error. Now, they are promptly launching an AI virtual character experience, indicating that they are actively expanding their product application scenarios and user market.

From the evolution of sound, appearance, to relationships, Grok is attempting to expand the boundaries of AI adoption, creating a highly immersive, interactive, and customizable AI service. Not only does it technically leapfrog its peers, but it also explores new possibilities at the intersection of AI and human emotions.

However, the problem still exists. As virtual characters and the digital world gradually partially replace real people and real life, it may lead to a future of weakened interpersonal connections and increasing isolation.

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This article discusses the transition from anti-Semitism to AI girlfriends? Elon Musk's Grok "Companion Mode" female role has sparked controversy, first appearing in Chain News ABMedia.