Lorde takes aim at Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses during Madrid festival performance

New Zealand musician Lorde used her set at Madrid's Real Cool Festival this week to voice disapproval of AI-powered smartglasses, appearing to target the Ray-Ban Meta collaboration that was sponsoring the event.

What Lorde said#

During her performance, Lorde addressed the audience about the growing difficulty in determining what's genuine in an increasingly digital world. She then pivoted to a direct critique of wearable AI technology, declaring "fuck the glasses" and urging fans not to purchase them. She characterized the devices as lacking appeal, telling the crowd they weren't "sexy."

Her remarks, captured in videos that circulated on social media, represented a pointed jab at the festival sponsor. Though she refrained from naming Ray-Ban or Meta specifically, the context made the target clear—particularly given that Blackpink's Jennie, who serves as a Ray-Ban Meta AI ambassador, performed immediately after Lorde's set.

Broader scrutiny of smart eyewear#

Lorde's critique arrives as Meta faces intensifying pressure over privacy and surveillance concerns tied to its smart glasses line. The company has already weathered backlash over the devices' recording capabilities and facial recognition potential. Despite the criticism, Meta is reportedly moving forward with plans to release an advanced version equipped with continuous recording features.

Her comments add a cultural voice to ongoing debates about whether AI-enabled wearables represent progress or a troubling erosion of privacy and authenticity.