Could Bianca Censori’s Grammy Outfit Get Her Arrested in New York?

A Legal Perspective from a Criminal Defense Attorney

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Bianca Censori, wife of music mogul Kanye West, made headlines not just for her bold fashion choice but also for igniting debates across the country. Censori appeared in a sheer minidress that left little to the imagination, a look that dominated red carpet conversations and sparked questions about legal boundaries, particularly if such an outfit were worn in public spaces outside of entertainment events. As a criminal defense attorney practicing in New York, I am here to break down the legal implications.

Understanding New York’s Public Exposure Laws

New York Penal Law Article 245 covers “Offenses Against Public Sensibilities,” including laws around public exposure. Specifically, NY Penal Law § 245.01 addresses “Exposure of a Person.” This statute states that a person is guilty of public exposure when they “appear in a public place in such a manner that the private or intimate parts of his or her body are unclothed or exposed.” For women, this includes “that portion of the breast which is below the top of the areola.”

However, there are exceptions. The law explicitly excludes “any person entertaining or performing in a play, exhibition, show, or entertainment.” This clause likely protects Censori’s attire during an event like the Grammys, which is considered a form of entertainment. In other words, if she wore this outfit on stage or during an event classified as a performance, she would likely be exempt from legal consequences under this statute.

What If She Wore It on the Streets of New York?

If Bianca Censori decided to stroll through Armory Square in the same sheer outfit, the legal scenario could shift dramatically. In this context, she would not be covered by the entertainment exemption. This could potentially lead to charges under NY Penal Law § 245.01.

Violations of this law are considered violations, not misdemeanors or felonies, but they can still result in penalties such as:

• Fines: A monetary penalty, which varies depending on the circumstances.
• Community Service: Judges may impose community service as an alternative to fines.
• Potential Arrest: Although rare for first-time offenses, especially if the exposure is not accompanied by lewd behavior, arrest is possible if the situation escalates.

Would She Actually Be Arrested?

In reality, context matters. Law enforcement officers exercise discretion when determining whether to issue a summons or make an arrest. Factors like intent, setting, and whether the exposure causes public disturbance are all considered.

Interestingly, New York has progressive laws regarding public nudity in certain contexts. For example, since 1992, it is been legal for women to be topless in public spaces as part of gender equality rulings. This adds another layer of complexity when analyzing cases like Censori’s hypothetical situation.

Legal Defenses and Strategies

If someone were charged under NY Penal Law § 245.01 for public exposure, several defenses could apply:

1. Artistic Expression: Claiming that the attire was part of an artistic or expressive statement.
2. Lack of Intent: Arguing there was no intent to offend public sensibilities.
3. Gender Equality Precedent: Leveraging existing legal precedents around topless equality for women.

Final Thoughts

While Bianca Censori’s Grammy outfit would not likely result in legal issues in New York during an entertainment event, the outcome could be different in public spaces without the entertainment context. As society evolves, so too do our legal interpretations of public decency. If you find yourself facing similar legal questions, consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney is your best course of action.

At Nave Law Firm, we stay at the forefront of legal developments to ensure our clients receive the best defense possible, whether the case involves complex criminal charges or more nuanced public exposure laws.

Dennis Nave
Criminal Defense Attorney & Managing Partner, Nave Law Firm