Exhibitionism or Coercive Control?
This week, our resident sexologist writes why Bianca Censori’s Grammy stunt left her uncomfortable.
The Grammys have always been a spectacle, filled with bold fashion choices and iconic moments. But this year, one outfit (or lack thereof) sparked an entirely different conversation. Bianca Censori, Australian influencer and wife of Kanye West, stood beside her husband in a sheer, mesh dress that left her completely exposed.
Let’s be clear, women should have full autonomy over their bodies. If this was Bianca’s choice, and she felt empowered, fantastic. But watching her stand motionless as Kanye whispered in her ear, the power dynamic felt unsettling. West has a history of controlling the aesthetics of his partners, from Kim Kardashian to Julia Fox. What may be seen as a provocative fashion statement begins to look eerily like coercive control.
Coercive control isn’t just about physical violence, it’s about power, manipulation, and restricting a partner’s autonomy. It can show up in many forms, including dictating what someone wears. While Bianca’s friends reportedly staged an intervention out of concern for her well-being, Kanye continues to shape her public image.
This isn’t just about a dress. It’s about the age-old pattern of powerful men using women’s bodies as props, framed as artistic expression.
If Bianca is happy, then that’s her choice. But if this is control disguised as fashion, we need to recognise the warning signs. A woman’s body is not an accessory and coercion should never be mistaken for liberation.
Exhibitionism, in a sexual context, refers to the arousal some people feel from being seen naked or engaging in sexual acts publicly. When it’s fully consensual, it can be liberating and fun. The key word? Consent.
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Coercive control, however, is a form of psychological abuse that restricts a person’s autonomy through intimidation, isolation, or micromanaging their life. It includes things like controlling what a partner wears (whether demanding they cover up or expose themselves), isolating them from friends and family, humiliating or degrading them in private or public and using threats or pressure to ensure compliance.
Reports have surfaced that Bianca’s friends staged an intervention, telling her to “wake up” to Kanye’s control. The fact that she has allegedly been cut off from her close circle raises more red flags.
There’s also been a longstanding tradition of male artists using women’s bodies as their canvases while remaining fully clothed themselves. In 1972, art critic John Peter Berger wrote about how women’s nudity in art has historically been a sign of submission, rather than empowerment. If a woman’s nakedness is not an expression of her own feelings but a reflection of male vision, it becomes an act of ownership.
Kanye West has repeatedly placed women’s bodies at the centre of his creative vision, often in ways that strip them of agency. His infamous 2016 ‘Famous’ music video included naked wax figures of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, without their consent. His art often showcases women as silent, exposed figures while he remains the ‘visionary’.
Bianca’s Grammys stunt felt like a modern version of this disturbing pattern. Kanye West’s documented struggles with bipolar disorder add another layer to this discussion. While mental illness does not excuse controlling or harmful behaviour, it does mean that conversations about power dynamics should be taken seriously.
His history of erratic public rants, antisemitic remarks, and obsessive control over his partners suggests a pattern of dominance rather than an equal partnership. And when multiple women – ex-partners Kim, Julia and Amber Rose – have spoken about similar experiences, it’s crucial to pay attention when those patterns seem to repeat.
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The bigger conversation should be: is it the women’s choices or male control? If Bianca Censori made this choice for herself and felt truly empowered, great. Women should have full control over their bodies and how they present themselves. But if this was another example of Kanye exerting control over his partner under the guise of ‘art’, it deserves scrutiny.
Too often, we brush off these moments as celebrity drama when, in reality, they reflect broader cultural issues about power, coercion, and gender dynamics (hello Britney Spears). This isn’t just about Bianca, it’s about recognising the signs of coercion, even when they’re wrapped in high fashion and red carpet spectacle.
This isn’t just about American celebrity culture either. Coercive control is a recognised issue in Australia, with some states introducing laws to criminalise it.
- New South Wales and Victoria have laws criminalising coercive control in intimate relationships.
- Queensland and South Australia are considering legislative changes.
- Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory still lack specific legal frameworks, despite growing advocacy efforts.
This matters because coercive control doesn’t always look like physical abuse. It can be as subtle as dictating what a partner wears, whether covering up or exposing themselves.
Women’s bodies are not props. They are not artistic statements for male visionaries. And they are not accessories to be controlled under the guise of creative expression. If Bianca wanted to wear that dress, good for her. But if this was yet another example of Kanye dictating a partner’s choices, then we need to call it what it is, a deeply concerning pattern of control disguised as fashion.
At the very least, it should make us pause. Ask questions. And recognise the warning signs before they get ignored again.
Jamie Bucirde has a postgraduate degree in sexology from Curtin University. Her advice is of a general nature and should be taken in the spirit of the column.
Jamie is throwing a sexual communication workshop with Adult Bliss Erotica this Saturday, February 8 from 1pm ’til 3pm. Through this workshop, she’ll show you how to unlock your sexual intelligence and support you communicating about sex, pleasure and intimacy. Tickets are available via Adult Bliss Erotica’s website.
On The Cusp is supported by Adult Bliss Erotica, find out more about their range to support your sexual health and wellness via their website. Read the entire back catalogue of On the Cusp here.