Kim Kardashian said people ‘didn’t know’ Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe (seated on the right) and Kim Kardashian (on the left). Image courtesy of Getty Images
Kim Kardashian has once again found herself at the centre of controversy when she made the assertion that many people were unaware of the existence of Marilyn Monroe until she wore the outfit that Monroe wore to the Met Gala in 2022.
Kim Kardashian’s recent comments about her iconic Met Gala moment have ignited a flurry of backlash online, with many labeling her statement as both inaccurate and self-serving. Reflecting on her decision to wear Marilyn Monroe’s legendary dress, Kardashian suggested that it was her act that reintroduced the cultural icon to a new generation.
In her interview, Kardashian said, “I think a lot of people didn’t even know who she was.” She went on to express her shock, adding, “It was the most amazing thing that ever happened to me,” and emphasized how grateful she was to have had the opportunity, courtesy of Ripley’s, to share this moment with the world. Her comments, however, have sparked debate, with critics questioning whether Monroe’s legacy really needed reintroducing.
Kardashian quickly followed up by emphasizing her awareness of the dress’s cultural significance. In her statement to The Express US, she said, “I respect her, and I understand how much this dress means to the history of the United States.”
The iconic garment in question is the shimmering, form-fitting gown that Marilyn Monroe famously wore in 1962 while singing “Happy Birthday” to then-President John F. Kennedy, a moment forever etched in American history.
Kardashian’s comments have been met with a fierce backlash, particularly from those who view them as dismissive of Monroe’s longstanding cultural impact. Critics were quick to remind Kardashian that Marilyn Monroe was already a global icon long before she wore the legendary dress at the 2022 Met Gala. On social media, users widely ridiculed the statement, with some emphasizing Monroe’s enduring legacy in Hollywood, pop culture, and fashion, which remains strong decades after her death.
“Marilyn Monroe was, is, and always will be a worldwide icon,” one user tweeted, adding that the mere fact of Kardashian wearing Monroe’s dress did not alter that reality.
Further criticism centered on the immense influence Monroe had on Hollywood, feminism, and celebrity culture, with some calling Kardashian’s comments tone-deaf and disrespectful to the star’s legacy. The iconic dress, worn by Monroe in 1962 as she serenaded President John F. Kennedy, has since become a symbol of glamour and cultural history, one that remains untouchable in its significance.
Experts in the field of history also weighed in, highlighting how Monroe’s impact transcended fashion and continues to shape conversations about fame, beauty standards, and women’s roles in society. Her legacy endures far beyond any single fashion moment.
A prominent expert in the field pointed out, “Monroe’s films, personal struggles, and contributions to Hollywood have been analyzed for years.” The legendary actress was already an established figure long before Kardashian’s rise to fame, underscoring the depth of Monroe’s cultural significance that transcends generations.
Kardashian’s decision to wear Monroe’s historic gown to the 2022 Met Gala sparked immediate controversy. The dress, originally created by designer Jean Louis for Monroe, had never been worn by anyone else before Kardashian, making her appearance with it both groundbreaking and contentious.
Many critics viewed the gown as a sacred piece of fashion history, arguing that it should never have been altered or worn again. Rumors soon circulated that the dress had been damaged during the event, with reports of missing crystals and noticeable signs of wear. While Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which owns the dress, refuted claims of irreversible damage, the controversy only intensified, adding fuel to the growing fire surrounding Kardashian’s decision to wear such a significant piece of fashion history.
In this striking photograph, Marilyn Monroe is seen wearing the iconic dress that Kim Kardashian would later don sixty years later. Image courtesy of Getty.
Kardashian, while confident in her own cultural influence, acknowledges that Monroe’s place in history remains unshakable. Despite the passage of time, the Hollywood legend continues to be an enduring symbol of beauty, brilliance, and cultural impact, a legacy that transcends generations.
It’s clear that Marilyn Monroe’s legacy has never required an introduction, as she has remained a timeless icon. While Kardashian’s moment at the Met Gala undeniably captured attention, it in no way overshadowed Monroe’s enduring cultural significance.
