"Jake the Rizzbot": Gay Robot in Cowboy Hat Delights West Hollywood, Spreads Compliments and Pride

West Hollywood, famed for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and history of progressive activism, found its latest icon this week in an unexpected form: a four-foot-tall, cowboy-hat wearing, rainbow-flag-bearing robot named "Jake the Rizzbot" . Since first appearing on Santa Monica Boulevard, Jake has captured the hearts—and phone cameras—of Angelenos, delivering lighthearted compliments, cheeky pickup lines, and affirming messages in Gen Z slang.

Jake is a G1 Humanoid Agent, manufactured by Chinese tech company Unitree Robotics, valued at around $16,000 . The robot stands about four feet tall, weighs 70-77 pounds, and is equipped with dexterous hands and reinforcement learning capabilities. While Jake dazzles with AI-powered banter and movement, he is not fully autonomous—he is remotely operated by a nearby handler . Sporting rainbow armbands, a tutu, and a sticker declaring “Not Elon’s Bitch,” Jake’s appearance is carefully curated to maximize both humor and queer visibility.

The robot’s battery lasts about two hours per outing—just enough for a spirited catwalk through West Hollywood’s Rainbow District .

Since Jake’s debut, videos of the robot strutting through West Hollywood have gone viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. One clip, posted by Brodie John, has amassed over 37,000 views, with the majority of commenters celebrating Jake’s presence and playful energy . In the footage, Jake is seen flirting with passersby—at one point asking, “Can I take you out for dinner?”—before serenading the crowd with the iconic sax riff from George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” . The robot’s mix of playful insults and smooth pickup lines has made it a social media darling, especially among younger LGBTQ+ audiences .

Locals have expressed a mix of amusement and pride at Jake’s antics. Longtime residents told NBC Los Angeles that such a spectacle is hardly surprising in a city known for its celebration of diversity and self-expression . Some even speculated that robots like Jake could soon become fixtures at Pride parades and other LGBTQ+ events.

While Jake has been warmly embraced by much of the West Hollywood community, the robot’s flamboyant persona has also drawn criticism from some far-right commentators. Online detractors have labeled Jake a symbol of the so-called “woke agenda,” with one user asking, “Great, what’s next? A trans robot?” . However, supporters argue that Jake represents the joyful, irreverent spirit of queer culture and the ongoing importance of visibility in public spaces .

The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and City Hall have yet to officially comment or confirm any involvement with Jake’s appearances . The individual or group responsible for dressing up and piloting the robot remains anonymous as of publication, adding to Jake’s mystique.

Jake the Rizzbot’s emergence on the streets of West Hollywood comes at a time when conversations about the intersection of technology, identity, and public space are increasingly relevant. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Jake is more than a novelty—he’s a symbol of how queer joy, humor, and pride can be embodied and amplified through new forms of technology.

As social robots become more common, questions about representation, inclusivity, and agency in tech design are likely to grow. Jake’s viral success may encourage more creative, affirming uses of technology for outreach, celebration, and visibility—not just during Pride Month, but year-round.

For now, Jake the Rizzbot’s presence is a reminder that in West Hollywood, love and affirmation can come in many forms—even from a cowboy-hat-wearing, rainbow-clad robot rolling down Santa Monica Boulevard.