The 2025 Grammy Awards were filled with memorable moments, but one incident that stole the spotlight was Jimmy Kimmel’s humorous take on Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori’s bold red carpet appearance. During his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the comedian quipped that Will Smith, who was also in attendance, should have slapped Kanye West instead of Chris Rock back in 2022. Kimmel’s joke was a lighthearted reference to Smith’s infamous Oscar slap, which had resulted in a 10-year ban from the Academy. Kimmel’s playful suggestion? If Smith had taken aim at West, all might have been forgiven, and he could have even landed a hosting gig at the Oscars next year. The late-night host’s witty remarks highlighted the chaos and unpredictability of modern celebrity culture, where even the most shocking moments seem to fade into the background amid the constant stream of drama.
Kimmel didn’t stop there. He also drew a stark contrast between the past and present, noting how societal norms have evolved over the years. He reminded his audience of the uproar caused by Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction during her 2004 Super Bowl performance, where her breast was briefly exposed on live television. The incident had sparked nationwide outrage and led to strict new regulations on live broadcasts. Fast forward to 2025, and the scene was very different. Bianca Censori, West’s wife, made her red carpet debut at the Grammys wearing a completely sheer dress, leaving little to the imagination. While some were shocked, Kimmel pointed out that the reaction this time around was surprisingly muted. “Now a completely nude woman walks the red carpet at the Grammys, they’re yelling, ‘Bianca, over here on the right! Please,’” he joked, emphasizing how much times have changed.
The Grammys themselves were a significant moment for Will Smith, who was attending the event despite his ongoing ban from the Oscars. Kimmel noted that Smith was not only present on the red carpet but also took the stage to honor the legendary Quincy Jones. The comedian playfully suggested that if Smith had taken the opportunity to slap Kanye West, it might have been enough to redeem him in the public eye. “I think all would be forgiven,” Kimmel said with a grin. “He would be hosting the Oscars next year.” The joke, of course, was in good fun, but it also underscored the unpredictable nature of celebrity scandals and how quickly the public—and the media—can move on from one controversy to the next.
Bianca Censori’s daring outfit was undoubtedly the talk of the evening. The 30-year-old model, who married Kanye West in December 2022, made a bold statement by removing her fur coat on the red carpet, revealing a completely sheer dress underneath. Paired with clear flip-flop heels and her hair slicked back into a low bun, her look was nothing short of eye-catching. While some praised her confidence and willingness to push boundaries, others were less than impressed. The couple’s red carpet debut together sparked a mix of reactions, with some praising their audacity and others criticizing what they saw as a stunt.
Not everyone was a fan of Censori’s look, however. Several high-profile figures took to social media to express their opinions. Meghan McCain, for instance, wrote in a since-deleted X post that she believed Censori was being treated like a “hostage” and a “victim” of West’s behavior. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Chambers, ex-wife of Armie Hammer, slammed West, calling the incident a “humiliation ritual” and accusing him of misogyny and control. These strong reactions highlighted the polarizing nature of the couple’s red carpet appearance, with some viewing it as a bold fashion statement and others as a problematic display of power dynamics.
In the end, the 2025 Grammys were a night to remember, filled with music, glamour, and plenty of controversy. Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes about Will Smith, Kanye West, and Bianca Censori’s sheer dress added an extra layer of humor to the evening, reminding everyone that even in the serious world of entertainment, there’s always room for a little levity. Whether or not Censori’s outfit was a clever publicity stunt or a genuine expression of her personal style, one thing is certain—it got people talking. And in the world of celebrity culture, that’s often the point. As Kimmel’s monologue so cleverly highlighted, the times may have changed, but the drama, the spectacle, and the endless fodder for jokes remain as vibrant as ever.
