Kanye West recently stirred up controversy with his unique approach to serving sushi at his private birthday party. The rapper, who turned 46, celebrated with guests including his and ex-wife Kim Kardashian's eldest daughter, North West, and his new partner and rumoured wife, Bianca Censori, reports The Independent.
Videos and photos from the event, shared on Twitter, revealed West's unconventional sushi presentation: the food was served on a woman's body. The woman, wearing only a bikini top and bottom, lay at the centre of the table, with trays of sushi resting on her chest, torso, waist, and between her legs. Despite her calm expression, many Twitter users criticized West for treating a woman as a mere plate and labelled it as misogynistic.
Kanye West had sushi being served on a naked woman at his 46th birthday party 👀🍣 pic.twitter.com/JO191hLQyl
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 12, 2023
One tweep criticised West, stating, "Treating a human woman like a plate is kind of misogynistic." Yet another user of the microblogging site wrote, "Misogyny and objectification at its finest. West covers naked women in sushi for his guests to eat off while attending his 46th birthday party."
treating a human woman like a plate is kinda misogynistic big dog
— and i said ma’am… (@lo_veme3) June 11, 2023
Misogyny and objectification at its finest. 🤦🏼♂️
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 12, 2023
Kanye West covers naked woman in sushi 🍣 🍱 for his guests to eat off while attending his 46th birthday party. pic.twitter.com/FnMdsQWDjE
Some defended West's choice, suggesting it could be a participation in the Japanese practice of Nyotaimori, where sushi or sashimi is served on a naked woman's body. They argued that in Nyotaimori, the "models" wear nude bikinis, and the food is placed on banana leaves rather than directly on their skin, emphasizing that when executed properly, it can be seen as artistic and beautiful. One user wrote, "This is called Nyotaimori. [West] didn’t invent this."
This is called Nyotaimori. Kanye didn’t invent this. Lol https://t.co/H2p5nAswVE
— Pou Lari A (@alezkoumwen) June 12, 2023
Reports suggest that some videos from the party also captured West's daughter, North, allegedly appearing shocked at the sushi display. North then took a piece of sushi from the tray and gave it to Censori. The party showcased the alleged couple's close bond, with North seen holding hands with Censori, who is reported to have married West in a non-legally binding ceremony earlier this year.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first time West has generated controversy. In the past, he faced backlash for sharing antisemitic comments and conspiracy theories on social media and during interviews. He also received criticism for debuting "White Lives Matter" shirts at Paris Fashion Week in 2022.
Have something to add? Share it in the comments below
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ