Pop star Lorde took a sharp detour from her setlist at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid last week to deliver a blistering critique of Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses, calling the devices ‘not sexy’ and warning fans about their erosion of reality.
‘Increasingly in our world, it gets harder and harder to know what is real,’ Lorde told the audience. ‘You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses, or if they’re wearing those f—ed up, f—ing [AI glasses]. Can I just say, for the record, f— the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.’
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The remarks, captured in fan video shared on X, come at a moment when Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are experiencing rapid commercial growth. EssilorLuxottica, the Ray-Ban maker, reported selling more than 7 million units in 2025 — more than triple the roughly 2 million sold in 2023 and 2024 combined. The product line has expanded as Meta pushes deeper into wearable AI.
Privacy backlash and legal scrutiny
Lorde’s critique echoes broader concerns from privacy advocates and security experts. Smart glasses equipped with cameras and AI features have been linked to incidents of harassment and extortion. Meta says it takes privacy seriously and includes safeguards such as a visible recording light, but the company faces multiple investigations and lawsuits.
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One lawsuit alleges that Kenyan contract workers were required to view graphic videos captured with the glasses to help train Meta’s AI. Meta has not publicly detailed its response to that specific claim, as Reuters reported.
The timing of Lorde’s comments may have been influenced by the festival’s sponsorship. Ray-Ban was a sponsor of Mad Cool, and Lorde performed immediately before K-pop star Jennie, who is an ambassador for the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses line.
Cultural pushback meets commercial momentum
Lorde, who has previously written about throwing her phone into the ocean, framed the issue as both a privacy concern and a cultural one. ‘The here and now,’ she added, ‘that is sexy.’
The contradiction between strong sales and growing public skepticism highlights a tension in the wearable AI market. While Meta’s glasses have found a consumer foothold, high-profile figures like Lorde may influence how the technology is perceived — especially among younger audiences who value authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Lorde actually say ‘f— the glasses’ on stage?
Yes. During her July 10, 2026 set at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, Lorde explicitly told the audience to not buy AI glasses, using explicit language.
Why is Meta facing lawsuits over its smart glasses?
Lawsuits allege that Meta’s glasses have been used for harassment and that the company used Kenyan workers to review graphic footage captured with the devices to train its AI.
Are Meta’s smart glasses still selling well despite the criticism?
Yes. EssilorLuxottica reported selling over 7 million units in 2025, making them the most popular smart glasses on the market.
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