Photo: Twitter/Katy Perry (Composite)
Bragging on social media, the modern trap that can never win: you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. For celebrities, however, putting themselves out there on social media is more than just a sure way to gain validation from complete strangers; It’s their entire livelihood.
Pop star and Idol judge Katy Perry is the latest celebrity to brag online about her new Cybertruck – or what looks like her new Cybertruck but might have been a Cybertruck loaned to her for one of her most recent appearances at the television. The difference between Perry and every other celebrity before her is that she’s the only one who gets dragged, even days after the fact.
Earlier this week, Katy posted to She wrote, “tnx for delivery,” and tagged Elon Musk, implying that she just had the truck delivered. At the same time, however, she added an “idol” hashtag, implying that she probably only hitched a ride in the Cybertruck to an Idol taping.
Either way, it doesn’t even matter, because all people could see was Katy lending support to the Cybertruck, just days after all delivered units were recalled due faulty accelerator pedals. It didn’t go well, to put it mildly.
Photo: @TheSonOfWalkley via
Even her fans couldn’t help but notice the irony of the situation, jumping on the bandwagon by criticizing Katy or making jokes at her expense. The worst criticism came, of course, from those who openly dislike Tesla and/or Musk, who were quick to label Katy as a sellout and willing to do anything for a little money. The fact that Musk responded with a “This seems good” was seen as confirmation of Katy’s sale.
This storm aside, the Cybertruck remains one of the most polarizing vehicles around, and not just because of the Tesla badge or Elon Musk, or its improbable angular design that seems to defy all design norms or even common sense. . On the contrary, the start of deliveries marked the beginning of a new series of VE against ICE disputes over cars (electric vehicles vs. internal combustion engines), making both sides more passionate and combative in their arguments.
There is no winner in this conflict and there never will be. Not everything has to be universally loved, adopted or appreciated, least of all a car. That said, Tesla is the closest to winning because as long as they convince celebrities to use their massive platforms for this kind of hidden advertising, they’re laughing all the way to the bank.
And celebrities lined up for the honor of riding in a Cyberbeast, which is what the Founders Edition is called. So far, Ciara, Steve Aoki, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams have all received delivery of their Cybertruck – and have duly shown it off on social media and in front of the paparazzi.
thank you for the delivery @Elon Musk #idol pic.twitter.com/nKB8Dqwig4
– KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 23, 2024
