Kim Kardashian has ignited a firestorm online after boldly claiming that many people “didn’t even know who Marilyn Monroe was” before she wore the Hollywood legend’s iconic gown to the 2022 Met Gala. The reality star’s comments have triggered a wave of furious reactions from fans, historians, and even celebrities, many accusing her of disrespecting one of the most recognizable cultural icons of the 20th century.
The 43-year-old business mogul made the statement during a new interview promoting her upcoming projects, where she reflected on the controversy surrounding her decision to wear Monroe’s historic dress. The same crystal-covered gown, famously worn by the actress when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962, was loaned to Kardashian by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. But what she said next is what sent the internet into meltdown.
“People didn’t even know who Marilyn Monroe was before that,” Kardashian claimed in the interview with a lifestyle magazine. “I feel like I introduced her to a whole new generation.”
Kim Kardashian just claimed “people didn’t know who Marilyn Monroe was” before she wore her dress… the internet is not having it. @PopBase
The backlash was swift and brutal. Social media platforms lit up with thousands of furious posts, many calling her comments “delusional,” “tone-deaf,” and “historically absurd.” Monroe, widely considered one of the most famous women of all time, has been immortalized in art, literature, music, and film for over six decades. “She was already a legend before Kim was even born,” one fan wrote on X. “You can’t rewrite history.”
Historians were quick to push back too. Cultural critic Dr. Helena Morris told reporters, “To suggest Marilyn Monroe needed a boost in cultural awareness is laughable. She is a timeless figure. Her name is synonymous with Hollywood itself.”
Others highlighted Monroe’s immense legacy, from her starring roles in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Some Like It Hot” to her enduring image as one of the most photographed and referenced women in modern history. “You’d have to live under a rock to not know who Marilyn Monroe is,” another user posted.
“Kim Kardashian claiming she made Marilyn Monroe famous is… next level.” @PopCrave
Many critics accused Kardashian of trying to center herself in a legacy that has nothing to do with her. One viral post on TikTok with millions of views called her “the queen of rewriting history for clicks.” Others pointed out that Monroe’s image and influence have been referenced by icons like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and even Andy Warhol — decades before Kardashian wore the gown.
Even some of Kardashian’s fans seemed uneasy with her claim. “I love Kim but this is embarrassing,” one fan commented on Instagram. “Marilyn Monroe didn’t need Kim Kardashian to be relevant.” Another wrote, “This is like saying people didn’t know who Elvis was before Baz Luhrmann’s movie.”
The original decision to wear Monroe’s gown had already been highly controversial. Preservationists criticized the move, warning that the fragile piece of history — currently valued at millions of dollars — could be damaged. After the 2022 Met Gala, several photos circulated online that appeared to show the dress stretched and missing crystals. The uproar was documented extensively by fashion outlets and fueled fierce debates over cultural preservation versus celebrity spectacle.
“This wasn’t about honoring Marilyn Monroe. It was about Kim Kardashian.” @BuzzFeed
Now, her latest statement has reignited that backlash tenfold. “This is classic narcissistic revisionism,” said cultural analyst Michael Grey during an interview with a news outlet. “Kardashian may have introduced the dress to a younger audience, but Marilyn Monroe’s place in cultural history is beyond dispute.”
Monroe’s enduring fame has long transcended generations. Her face has been emblazoned on posters, T-shirts, coffee mugs, art exhibits, and tattoos around the world. Her tragic death in 1962 only deepened her mythos, transforming her into a symbol of beauty, tragedy, and fame itself. Her image remains so powerful that even 60 years later, she continues to appear in ad campaigns, films, and pop culture references.
“Kim Kardashian may be a global star, but Marilyn Monroe is a cultural archetype,” one media historian explained to a major newspaper. “They’re not even on the same playing field.”
“Imagine thinking Marilyn Monroe needed you to make her famous.” @Variety
Kardashian’s defenders argue that her comments may have been taken out of context, suggesting she meant younger audiences discovered Monroe through her. But critics say that even if that was her intention, her phrasing reflects a wider pattern of self-centered narratives often tied to modern celebrity culture.
“It’s not just what she said, it’s how she said it,” one commentator wrote on a popular op-ed. “It’s the casual erasure of a woman who represents Hollywood itself. That’s why people are angry.”
As the uproar continues to spread, hashtags like #MarilynMonroe and #KimKardashian have dominated trending lists. Many posts are revisiting Monroe’s career highlights, almost as if to remind the world — and Kardashian — just how monumental her legacy already was.
“She’s been dead for 60 years and still more famous than anyone alive.” @THR
Kardashian has not yet issued a clarification or apology for her comments. Her representatives declined to comment when contacted by news agencies. But given the scale of the backlash, many observers believe a statement may be inevitable.
For millions, Monroe’s name needs no introduction. She’s more than a dress, more than a Met Gala moment. She’s an icon whose image will likely outlive everyone currently arguing about her on the internet — including Kim Kardashian herself.