Kanye West’s treatment of his romantic partners has come under renewed scrutiny, particularly regarding how he presents them in public.
His former girlfriend, Julia Fox, revealed in her memoir that she often felt like a “show monkey” during their brief relationship. West has a long history of influencing his partners’ appearances, using fashion as a tool to showcase them in ways that align with his artistic vision. This pattern has continued in his relationship with his current wife, Bianca Censori, whom some claim he is trying to mold into a new version of his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian.
At the recent Grammy Awards, West sparked controversy when he instructed Censori to remove her coat, leaving her in a revealing outfit that stunned attendees. A lip-reading expert suggested that he told her she was “making a scene” before directing her movements. The incident added to the ongoing debate about his control over his partners’ public image. Reports conflicted on whether the couple left voluntarily or were asked to leave, but the moment fueled speculation about Censori’s agency in their relationship.
Julia Fox’s time with West followed a similar trajectory, marked by extravagant public displays and carefully curated fashion moments. She recounted their whirlwind romance, which began on New Year’s Eve in Miami and quickly became a media spectacle. During their time together, West often orchestrated public appearances, arranging photoshoots and even relocating tables at restaurants for better visibility. At one point, he casually suggested she get plastic surgery to fit a particular look, further reinforcing his obsession with controlling his partners’ images.
As their relationship progressed, Fox began questioning whether their connection was genuine or merely a calculated “showmance.” The constant travel and media attention became overwhelming, and she ultimately decided to leave when West’s unresolved personal struggles became evident. She later admitted that she had dated him partly to distract him from Kardashian, hoping to help him move on. However, she soon realized she was being used and felt like his “little puppet.”
Following their breakup, Fox reflected on the long-term impact of her relationship with West. She noted that she may have been blacklisted in certain circles due to her association with him, despite having no regrets about speaking out. Her experience sheds light on the emotional toll of dating a high-profile figure like West, reinforcing the challenges of maintaining individuality and autonomy in relationships shaped by public perception and media spectacle.
