The rapper is under scrutiny for how he presents his wife in public, which many consider inappropriate. However, this isn’t unfamiliar ground for him. His former partner once shared that she felt like a “show monkey” during their time together.
Kanye West’s former girlfriend, Julia Fox, opened up in her memoir about how he treated her during their brief romance. The musician has a well-documented history of showcasing his partners through his bold and unconventional fashion choices.
West’s relationships have always intertwined with his artistic vision, with fashion playing a central role in how he presents his partners to the public.
Kanye West attends the Vanity Fair Oscar party on February 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
His first marriage to Kim Kardashian lasted from 2014 to 2021, during which he frequently referred to her as his “muse” and significantly influenced her style.
Some close to him believe he is now attempting to do the same with his now-wife, Bianca Censori. “Kanye is trying to make Bianca into a radicalized version of Kim—almost like Kim 2.0,” an insider claimed. “The difference is that when Kim was with Kanye, he was respected in the fashion world. He has since lost this respect.”
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Kanye West and Kim Kardashian leave K.West’s Sunday Service on March 1, 2020, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
West and Censori have drawn attention for their provocative public appearances in recent years, but their latest red-carpet moment at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles pushed boundaries even further.
In a widely circulated video, the rapper was seen instructing his wife to remove her black fur coat, exposing a bold and nearly nude ensemble that stunned onlookers.
Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling analyzed the footage, suggesting West told Censori, “You’re making a scene now,” before directing her to drop the coat behind her and turn.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The “Uncut Gems” actress, who wed the Grammy Award winner in 2022, complied, and the couple quickly left, though reports conflict on whether they were asked to leave or departed voluntarily.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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The record producer’s influence over his partners’ public image isn’t limited to his first and second marriage. His brief romance with actress Julia Fox followed a similar pattern, with fashion and spectacle at the forefront.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: TikTok.com/CBSMornings
Fox’s whirlwind fling with the rapper made headlines in early 2022, shortly after he finalized his divorce from Kardashian. She later recounted their first meeting on New Year’s Eve in Miami during an interview, “His energy is so fun to be around,” adding that they instantly clicked and continued their night in New York City.
Julia Fox and Kanye West spotted departing the “Slave Play” in Midtown on January 4, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
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Their attraction developed naturally, though Fox admitted she wasn’t thinking too far ahead. “There was a good amount,” she said of their romantic spark in another interview. “I was just going day by day and seeing where it went. It was just like, he still wants to hang out with me today, let’s do it.”
Kanye West and Julia Fox attend the Kenzo Fall/Winter show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2022. | Source: Getty Images