Award-winning actress Julia Fox has recently shed light on her unsettlingly brief liaison with infamous rapper Kanye West. This revelation comes as part of her memoir “Down the Drain” that takes the reader on a journey into the intimate details of their whirlwind romance, an experience Fox describes as a twisted game for her famous ex-beau.
In her memoir, Fox recalls the genesis of her relationship with the rapper she cryptically refers to as “the artist.” An unnamed friend had given West her contact upon his request. The aftermath was swift, she was deluged with calls and texts, and the relationship took off just as her previous marriage spiraled downwards.
Fox, a notable actress and former dominatrix, spent long hours on the phone with the iconic rapper, more often than not in a listener’s role. She characterizes their phone exchanges as mainly one-sided, with her inputs being few and far between. West, however, was fond of her ideas and admired her intellect.
Their friendship took a romantic turn when West convinced Fox to join him in Miami for New Year’s celebrations, going the extra mile by chartering a private jet for her and her friends. Their first face-to-face encounter took place at a crowded club with a silent embrace, with Fox remembering the moment as something extraordinary.
Their evening concluded with a surreal visit to a renowned rapper’s abode, rumored to be Rick Ross, where Fox was instructed to stop dancing by one of West’s companions. The following night, the artist surprisingly asked Fox to be his girlfriend amid taking candid photos of them in public, effectively making their relationship public knowledge.
Odd rendezvous, artistic photoshoots, and extravagant gestures characterized their romance, filled with the verve and pulchritude of celebrity life. However, an undercurrent of discomfort grows gradually as this narrative unfolds, painting a chilling picture of West’s control and manipulation through press leaks and setting boundaries on Fox’s personal freedom.
From planned surprise outfit changes, to offers of plastic surgery and constantly forwarding their private pictures to media houses, Fox found herself becoming increasingly uncomfortable, likening herself to a monkey being made to perform for an audience. She increasingly felt as though she was a pawn in a manipulative game staged by the rapper.
However, Fox remained adamant about not compromising her personal boundaries. A testament to this was her refusal to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) presented to her by West.
Unfortunately, their seemingly glamorous life took a downward spiral during a trip to Paris. Distress emerged in the form of vehement disagreements between the couple, exacerbated by West’s disapproval of Fox’s close friends. The flutter of discord continued until an intervention by Michele Lamy, Ric Owens’ wife, offering them an anchor of calm in the looming chaos.
Despite the temporary reprieve, Fox’s unease grew, as evidenced by her reaction to West’s grandiose birthday present: five elegant Birkin bags for her and her friends. The event, rather than jubilant, became a mechanical photo opportunity, creating an emotionally desolate atmosphere that Fox suspected was a publicity ploy by her partner.
After an unsatisfactory birthday night, where Fox felt snubbed by West, she decided to sever ties with him. In the ensuing fallout, West attempted to vilify her over struggles with her past drug addiction, an issue she claimed he was well aware of.
The story of their tumultuous relationship culminates with Fox’s stark, candid statement in response to West’s insistence on her signing an NDA: “I’ll live.” A chilling reminder that independence often comes at a cost, but one that many, like Fox, are willing to pay.
