Giant inflatable of Elon Musk highlights his role in producing child pornography; Protest against Grok occurs in Times Square ahead of SpaceX’s IPO.

Protests erupted in Times Square against billionaire Elon Musk as a giant inflatable bust of him surfaced, criticizing his AI platform Grok for allegations of child pornography production. Activists from Safe AI Now (SAIN) highlighted that Grok has allowed for the nonconsensual alteration of minors’ images.

The inflatable featured Musk's likeness, complete with a heart tattoo and the words, “SpaceX’s Grok makes AI child porn” printed on its body. This demonstration coincides with SpaceX’s IPO, valued at an estimated $135 per share, marking it as one of the largest market debuts.

Critics have expressed that “This IPO is a liability shift,” implying that all liabilities related to legal actions and regulatory scrutiny are being passed on to shareholders. SpaceX’s record-breaking valuation raises ethical concerns, especially with recent claims that Grok facilitated the creation of over 30 AI-generated images of child pornography last April.

In light of these revelations, the European Commission initiated investigations into Grok's practices regarding nonconsensual imagery. Musk’s controversial handling of AI technology has led to legal challenges, with a recent lawsuit filed by three teenage girls from California and another by Ashley St. Clair, a prominent criticism from family advocates.

As the IPO looms, the combination of Musk's reputation and the serious implications of Grok's usage have drawn significant public scrutiny, demanding accountability from the tech mogul and his ventures.

A giant inflatable depicting Elon Musk appeared in Times Square on June 11, 2026, amid protests against SpaceX’s IPO. Activists accused Musk's AI platform, Grok, of facilitating child pornography through nonconsensual alterations of images, igniting fierce debate over the ethics of AI technology.