Kim Kardashian has sparked yet another heated discussion by claiming that many people were unaware of Marilyn Monroe until she donned the late actress’s iconic dress at the 2022 Met Gala. The dress in question, famously worn by Monroe during her sultry rendition of Happy Birthday, Mr. President in 1962, has become a symbol of timeless Hollywood glamour. However, Kardashian’s controversial statement has left fans and critics alike questioning her perspective.
The Controversy Behind Kim’s Met Gala Appearance
Kardashian’s decision to wear Monroe’s dress to the Met Gala didn’t go unnoticed—and not for all the right reasons. The reality star and entrepreneur faced a barrage of criticism for multiple reasons, starting with her extreme pre-event weight loss. To fit into the delicate garment, Kardashian claimed she undertook a rigorous diet and fitness regimen, dropping more than a stone in just three weeks.
She detailed her process in an interview with Vogue, explaining, “I wore a sauna suit twice a day, cut out all sugar and carbs, and only ate clean vegetables and protein.” This admission drew backlash for promoting potentially unhealthy weight-loss practices, with many calling it an irresponsible example to set for her millions of followers.
Kardashian defended her actions, comparing her preparation to the transformations actors undergo for movie roles, saying, “If Christian Bale can lose weight for a role or Renée Zellweger can gain weight, it’s the same thing.”
Accusations of Damaging a Historic Artifact
Another layer of controversy arose from allegations that Kardashian damaged Monroe’s historic gown. Photos shared by Scott Fortner, a collector specializing in Monroe memorabilia, appeared to show missing crystals and stretched fabric on the dress after Kardashian’s Met Gala appearance.
However, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the current owner of the dress, denied these claims. In a statement, they asserted, “Great care was taken to preserve this piece of pop culture history. Kim worked closely with garment conservationists and archivists, and no alterations were made to the dress.”
Kardashian also defended herself, emphasizing that she treated the gown with the utmost respect, saying, “I put the dress on at the bottom of the carpet and changed into a replica after just a few minutes. Handlers wearing gloves assisted me.”
A New Wave of Criticism
Months later, Kardashian reignited the debate with her bold claim during an interview on Today. While promoting her skincare line, she told hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb that her wearing Monroe’s dress introduced the Hollywood legend to a new generation.
“People didn’t even know who Marilyn Monroe was before I wore her dress,” Kardashian stated, a comment that immediately went viral and drew widespread backlash online.
Critics were quick to respond, with one social media user writing, “The audacity to think she put Marilyn on the map is beyond belief.” Another quipped, “Imagine living in such a bubble of wealth and fame that you genuinely believe this.”
The Legacy of Monroe’s Dress
Monroe first wore the gown during her unforgettable performance at President John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebration in May 1962. At the time, the dress was a stunning display of glamour and boldness, designed to fit her like a second skin and adorned with over 6,000 hand-sewn crystals. Monroe’s performance that night became one of her most iconic moments, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
For Kardashian to suggest that her Met Gala appearance reintroduced Monroe to public consciousness has been labeled by many as an overreach, with fans of Monroe passionately defending her legacy.
Kim’s Perspective
Despite the criticism, Kardashian has maintained that her intention was to honor Monroe’s legacy. She emphasized her respect for the actress and the historical significance of the dress, stating, “I understand how much this dress means to American history. I was incredibly careful and respectful while wearing it.”
Kardashian also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “Wearing this dress was an honor. It allowed me to channel one of the greatest Hollywood icons of all time.”
Public Reactions
Kardashian’s comment has left many questioning her understanding of Monroe’s place in history. Fans and critics alike argue that Monroe’s influence extends far beyond her wardrobe, as she remains a symbol of empowerment, beauty, and vulnerability decades after her death.
While some applaud Kardashian for sparking renewed interest in Monroe’s legacy, others feel her remarks diminish the cultural and historical impact of the late actress.
Whether intentional or not, Kardashian’s statement has reignited discussions about Monroe’s enduring legacy, leaving people to debate whether the reality star’s controversial comments overshadow the history she claims to respect.