Elon Musk’s new AI chatbot, Grok, features a flirty anime companion named Ani. This has sparked a flurry of speculation among cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Ani’s Suspicious Resemblance
Many believe Ani’s design—a gothic-lolita style with pigtails, corset, and fishnets—is strikingly similar to “Bitcoin Girl,” a character from a 2017 Bitcoin trading card. Artist NARDO (@PepenardoStudio) was the first to point out this uncanny resemblance on X (formerly Twitter). Even Bitcoin Magazine’s CEO joined the conversation, jokingly suggesting Musk’s affection for Ani depends on his Bitcoin holdings. Musk himself hasn’t commented.
A History of Musk and Bitcoin Girl
The “Bitcoin Girl” card has a history intertwined with Musk. He’s used the image on his social media, even making it his profile picture for a day in 2021. He even tweeted the image with the caption “Wanna buy some Bitcoin?” back in 2018, causing a viral sensation (and a temporary Twitter account suspension!).
From Memes to Millions
Musk’s relationship with Bitcoin has evolved significantly. Tesla’s $1.5 billion Bitcoin purchase in 2021 made headlines, only to be followed by a partial sell-off later. Despite these shifts, Musk continues to show his support for Bitcoin, recently stating his new “America Party” will embrace the cryptocurrency.
Is it a Secret Message or Just a Coincidence?
So, is Ani a hidden tribute to “Bitcoin Girl,” a playful nod to his Bitcoin history, or simply a coincidence? Grok’s AI itself denies any direct connection, suggesting Ani’s design is more reminiscent of another anime character. However, the timing and visual similarities have fueled the ongoing speculation.
The Ongoing Conversation
Regardless of the intent, the appearance of Ani has reignited the conversation around Musk and Bitcoin. What started with memes has evolved into significant financial decisions and now, even political statements. The relationship between Musk and Bitcoin continues to be a fascinating story to follow.