A giant inflatable of Elon Musk became the center of attention in Times Square this week. The unusual display quickly drew attention from tourists, commuters, and social media users. Questions soon followed about who was behind the installation and what message it was intended to send. Now, reports suggest the display was part of a broader campaign tied to concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and corporate accountability.
Elon Musk inflatable reportedly pops up at Times Square sparking questions
Times Square is no stranger to attention-grabbing displays. However, a reported 40-foot inflatable depicting Elon Musk managed to stand out even by the district’s standards. According to CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher, the oversized effigy appeared Thursday and featured a shirtless version of Musk covered in tattoos.
The display was surrounded by signs carrying messages related to Grok, the artificial intelligence platform connected to Musk’s companies. While the installation immediately attracted curious onlookers, the people working around it reportedly offered few answers about its origins.
Ochacher said he asked workers who had hired them and whether a company or individual was responsible for the campaign. According to his account, those questions went unanswered. The workers allegedly told him only that they had been instructed to remain at the site for the day and hand out flyers to passersby.
The flyers reportedly contained QR codes and messaging similar to what appeared on the surrounding signs. In a later update, CBS News reported that the QR code’s destination directed users to a news article concerning Grok. The network also said it had contacted New York City’s Street Activity Permit Office in an effort to determine who obtained permission for the installation.
For several hours, the identity of the organizers remained unclear, fueling further speculation online. However, Wired later reported that advocacy group Safe AI Now (SAIN) had taken responsibility for the display. As per the publication, the group issued a statement criticizing Grok and raising concerns about potential legal and regulatory issues related to artificial intelligence.
Notably, the inflatable appeared on the same day that SpaceX is expected to make headlines over its highly anticipated IPO. According to reports, the company’s shares will debut at $135, a figure that would place the offering among the largest in market history.
