ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sam Altman's Orb Company Falsely Claimed Bruno Mars Partnership

other · 2026-04-24

WIRED reports that Tools for Humanity, the company behind Sam Altman's Worldcoin project (now known as World), promoted a nonexistent partnership with musician Bruno Mars. The company's Orb device, which scans irises for identity verification, was marketed with claims of exclusive tour access and collaborations. However, a spokesperson for Bruno Mars stated unequivocally that the artist was never approached nor involved in any discussions regarding a partnership or tour access. The misleading promotion raises questions about the company's marketing practices and the credibility of its high-profile endorsements.

Key facts

  • Tools for Humanity promoted a Bruno Mars partnership that does not exist.
  • A spokesperson for Bruno Mars denied any discussions or partnership.
  • The promotion involved the Orb iris-scanning device.
  • Sam Altman is co-founder of Tools for Humanity.
  • Worldcoin is now known as World.
  • The misleading claims were reported by WIRED.
  • The Orb scans irises for identity verification.
  • The promotion included claims of exclusive tour access.

Entities

Artists

  • Bruno Mars

Institutions

  • Tools for Humanity
  • Worldcoin
  • World
  • WIRED

Sources