Kim Kardashian is no stranger to controversy. But this week, the reality TV icon and business mogul found herself at the center of an unexpected social media storm—one that’s sending ripples through both celebrity and tech circles.

The spark? A glossy photoshoot for Perfect Magazine, featuring Kardashian alongside the futuristic Tesla Cybertruck and a humanoid Tesla Optimus bot. What should have been another eye-catching moment in her ever-expanding portfolio quickly escalated into an online backlash, as fans and critics alike questioned her choice of props amid ongoing controversy surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

A Photoshoot With Fallout

On July 6, Kardashian shared a series of behind-the-scenes snaps and final shots from her latest campaign. Dressed in high fashion and flanked by Tesla’s most headline-grabbing vehicles, the images were meant to dazzle. Instead, they ignited outrage.

The timing, many argued, couldn’t have been worse. Elon Musk, Tesla’s mercurial CEO, has recently been embroiled in a string of headline-grabbing incidents—including a widely criticized gesture at a political event and his controversial leadership of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has enacted sweeping federal workforce cuts. Protests have erupted at Tesla dealerships nationwide, and some Tesla owners have even gone so far as to deface their cars in protest, hoping to distance themselves from the brand.

Against this backdrop, Kardashian’s Cybertruck shoot struck a nerve.

The Backlash Unfolds

It didn’t take long for the comments section of Kardashian’s Instagram post to light up with criticism. While some fans defended her right to creative expression, a vocal contingent accused her of being “tone-deaf” and “out of touch” with the current social climate.

“Never buying Skims again. I’m kinda sick to my stomach rn,” one user wrote, referencing Kardashian’s popular shapewear brand. Another simply asked, “Seriously….?”

Others were more pointed. “BRAND SUICIDE! You’re going to find out real quick that it wasn’t the MAGAts who were purchasing your clothing!” one commenter declared, hinting at the potential commercial fallout.

Perhaps the most scathing critique came from a user who wrote: “Imagine having unlimited resources, a global platform, and the power to influence millions—only to use it to glorify a billionaire actively making life worse for so many. This isn’t just tone-deaf; it’s a deliberate choice to align with greed, exploitation, and performative excess. With everything happening in the world, this is what you find worthy of celebration? Embarrassing.”

A Storm of Refunds

The backlash wasn’t just digital. Reports began to surface of fans requesting refunds for recent Skims purchases, citing Kardashian’s perceived support of Musk. While the actual volume of refunds is unclear, the phrase “storm of refunds” quickly trended across social media platforms, amplifying the sense of crisis.

Some industry analysts suggest the impact could be short-lived, noting that celebrity controversies often fade as quickly as they flare up. Still, the incident raises important questions about the risks of celebrity-brand partnerships in today’s hyper-polarized media landscape.

Context Matters: Timing and Intent

Supporters of Kardashian were quick to point out that the photoshoot was reportedly conceptualized and shot back in November 2024—months before the latest wave of Musk-related controversies. “This didn’t age well. I understand it was conceptualized before but [you] should have just scrapped it,” one commenter noted, reflecting a sentiment echoed by others who felt the timing was simply unfortunate.

This isn’t the first time Kardashian has faced criticism over her connections and social media choices. She previously drew backlash for posting a birthday message to Ivanka Trump just days before the U.S. election, and for sharing a photo of Melania Trump from the inauguration on her Instagram Stories. Each time, Kardashian has weathered the storm—though not without some bruising to her public image.

The Business of Influence

For Kardashian, whose business empire is built on her ability to command attention, the stakes are high. Skims, her multi-billion-dollar shapewear line, depends on her carefully curated public persona. Even a small dip in consumer trust can translate to real financial consequences.

“Celebrity endorsements have always been a double-edged sword,” says Dr. Maya Hall, a professor of marketing at UCLA. “When you tie your brand to someone—or something—as polarizing as Elon Musk, you’re making a bet that the benefits will outweigh the risks. But in today’s climate, one misstep can trigger a cascade of negative reactions.”

The Broader Conversation: Accountability and Influence

The incident also highlights a broader cultural debate: What responsibility do celebrities have when it comes to the brands and public figures they associate with? In an era where every post is scrutinized and every partnership is politicized, even seemingly innocuous choices—like posing with a particular car—can become flashpoints.

Some argue that celebrities like Kardashian should be more mindful of the signals they send, especially when their platforms reach millions. Others contend that the outrage is overblown, and that expecting public figures to anticipate every possible controversy is unrealistic.

Looking Ahead: Will It Matter?

If history is any guide, Kardashian is likely to weather this latest storm as she has so many others. Her fan base is fiercely loyal, and the churn of online outrage often gives way to the next big story. Still, the “storm of refunds” serves as a cautionary tale for influencers and brands alike: In 2025, the intersection of celebrity, technology, and politics is a minefield.

For now, Kardashian has not publicly responded to the backlash. Whether she addresses the controversy—or quietly moves on—remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

Kim Kardashian’s Tesla moment is more than just a viral controversy; it’s a snapshot of a culture grappling with the power and pitfalls of influence. As the lines between celebrity, commerce, and politics continue to blur, one thing is clear: In today’s world, even a single photo can spark a firestorm.