Julia Fox has made her stance clear on the ongoing debate about who should pay on a first date, backing a new campaign that offers singles money back when they are asked to split the bill. The actor and model has joined dating platform Seeking for its Anti 50/50 Campaign, which challenges the expectation that couples should automatically divide their dating expenses.
The initiative includes a $50,000 (£38,000) fund offering eligible participants up to $50 (£38) in refunds after splitting a bill. Fox is using the campaign to encourage women to be open about their dating preferences, arguing that financial independence should not mean accepting partners who make little effort.
Why Julia Fox Rejects 50/50 Dating
Fox did not hold back when explaining why she agreed to front the campaign. She said she had used Seeking herself and that some of her friends had also been on the platform. 'I think we need to get over the idea that women should have to justify what they want out of dating', she said, speaking about the initiative.
'I'm all for women being independent, but that doesn't mean we have to entertain low-effort men who think splitting a check is the height of romance. If you're going to court somebody, COURT THEM', Fox added. The 36-year-old added that the fund was important because it encouraged women to be clear about their expectations in relationships rather than feeling pressured to defend their preferences.
In a 2023 TikTok video, Fox spoke about dating etiquette, explaining why she believed men should pay for dinner dates. She pointed to the time and effort women spend preparing for an evening out, including doing their hair and make-up and choosing an outfit.
Julia Fox is teaming up with Seeking to launch a $50K fund that will give women $50 if they’re asked to split the bill on a date.
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) November 12, 2026
According to Seeking, 71% of Gen Z women have been asked to split the bill, compared to 27% of Boomer women. pic.twitter.com/iSns9pzUKJ
How Women Can Claim the Refund
Seeking launched its Anti 50/50 Campaign on 10 November, setting aside approximately £38,000 for eligible applicants who have been asked to share the cost of a date. Participants can receive up to £38 each, with applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the fund comes with specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, create a new free account on Seeking in the US and complete their profile. They must also share details of the date and upload a receipt showing that they were asked to split the bill. The reimbursement does not cover alcohol, tips or delivery fees.
Seeking also confirmed that applicants would receive an email explaining the outcome of their application within 30 days. Those approved will receive a payment link, which must be used within 60 days. The campaign is scheduled to run until 10 February 2027, or until the fund has been exhausted, whichever comes first.
Survey Reveals Women's Dating Preferences
The campaign also highlights research commissioned by Seeking about how women approach paying for first dates. According to the platform's findings, 61% of Gen Z women said they had been asked to split the bill on a first date.
The figure was considerably lower among Baby Boomer women, at 27%. The same research found that 75% of women preferred men to take the lead when it came to organising and paying for dates.
Seeking co-CEO Dana Rosewell also shared her thoughts on the debate. She questioned the idea that splitting expenses automatically represents female empowerment. 'Somewhere along the way, the patriarchy convinced women that splitting the bill was empowerment, when really it just made being cheap socially acceptable', Rosewell said.
