By: Simone DiNota
Kanye West showed up uninvited to the 2025 Grammy Awards, reminding us of just how low PR stunts can go. West was nominated for best rap song, but this category was not being televised. Despite this, he and his wife, Bianca Censori, appeared on the red carpet, both dressed in all-black. Censori’s clothes weren’t on for long; however, she pulled her black coat off to reveal a sheer dress that many considered to be indecently exposed (People).
West and Censori were technically permitted to be on the red carpet and departed shortly after the stunt. The question then becomes, why such a statement? According to Esquire, West viewed his and his wife’s appearance as “art.”
West has a track record of making problematic statements. In 2023, he was
called out for anti-Semitism, for which he recently rescinded his apology (The New York Times). Though many condemn his behavior, West’s PR stunts still infiltrate the news flow and are a part of pop culture conversations. So, at what point does reporting on these stunts continue to validate them as worthy of coverage? Even if coverage is negative, isn’t attention the ultimate goal? West’s actions at the Grammys challenge us to consider what the purpose of PR stunts is in today’s social climate and how we can help to ensure that they are used for good.
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