Kanye West sparks backlash over Bianca Censori-inspired book trademark

Kanye West has ignited yet another controversy after filing to trademark Wife by Husband, a book title reportedly inspired by his wife, Bianca Censori. Fans and critics alike have slammed the move, calling it “disgusting” and accusing the rapper of using his wife for clout.

West’s company, Ox Paha Inc., submitted the trademark application on 24 January, just days before he and Censori made headlines at the 2025 Grammys. The rapper, 47, intends to use the title for various print publications, including biographies, nonfiction, and picture books. However, details on the book’s actual content remain unclear.

For many, this latest stunt is yet another attempt by West to capitalise on his controversial relationship with Censori. Social media erupted with criticism, with one person fuming, “This is disgusting, he is disgusting, and her allowing herself to be propped up like a hood ornament is disgusting.” Another frustrated user added, “They’ve had enough time in the spotlight.”

Some accused West of having no respect for his wife, pointing to his history of using his relationships as creative material. Fans also drew comparisons to Selfish, a 448-page coffee-table book filled with ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s selfies, which West helped conceptualise years earlier.

West and Censori’s relationship has been a constant source of controversy, particularly due to her revealing fashion choices. Their latest appearance at the Grammys saw Censori don a sheer, nude mesh dress without underwear, initially covered by a black fur coat. The outfit immediately went viral, with Google Trends confirming Bianca was the most-searched term of the night.

West, who has openly boasted about the attention their antics generate, faced further backlash from fans who accused him of reducing his wife to a spectacle. “Everyone thinks this man is a genius for working out that sex sells,” one person commented. “It’s an easy win when a man puts a naked woman on screen.”

Despite the outrage, West appears undeterred, continuing to push the boundaries of fashion, art, and now literature—regardless of how many people he alienates along the way