Kim Kardashian said people ‘didn’t know’ Marilyn Monroe

Kim Kardashian has once again found herself embroiled in controversy following her assertion that many individuals were unfamiliar with Marilyn Monroe before she donned the Hollywood legend’s gown at the 2022 Met Gala.

The reality television personality’s remarks have ignited an online backlash, with critics denouncing her statement as both erroneous and self-aggrandizing.

During an interview where she reflected on her now-infamous Met Gala appearance, Kardashian implied that her decision to wear Monroe’s legendary outfit reintroduced the iconic actress to a younger audience.

“I believe a significant number of people had no idea who she was,” she commented, alluding to Monroe’s cultural significance before the high-profile event.

“That was the most astonishing thing to me, and it’s the reason I felt so honored to have had that chance. Ripley’s allowed me to be part of this historic moment, ensuring that it would continue to be celebrated.”

She further acknowledged the significance of the garment. “I have immense respect for her and fully comprehend how much this dress represents in American history,” she stated, according to The Express US.

The gown in question is the dazzling, figure-hugging dress Monroe famously donned in 1962 while serenading then-President John F. Kennedy with a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

It remains one of the most recognizable ensembles in the annals of fashion, which made Kardashian’s remark all the more startling to critics.

Her statement was met with an outpouring of criticism, with many arguing that Monroe was already one of the most well-known figures in history long before Kardashian stepped into her attire. Social media exploded with users ridiculing the assertion, highlighting Monroe’s lasting impact on cinema, pop culture, and fashion.

“Marilyn Monroe was, is, and will always be an international icon. Kim Kardashian wearing her dress didn’t alter that,” one Twitter user remarked. Others emphasized Monroe’s contributions to Hollywood, feminism, and celebrity culture, asserting that Kardashian’s comments diminished the actress’s legacy.

Kim Kardashian donning the dress Marilyn Monroe famously wore in 1962. Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty.

Historians also weighed in, emphasizing that Monroe’s influence stretches across generations and is not confined to her sartorial choices.

“Monroe’s films, personal hardships, and lasting contributions to Hollywood have been meticulously analyzed for decades,” one expert remarked. “She was a household name long before Kim Kardashian ever entered the public eye.”

The 2022 Met Gala itself was already fraught with controversy due to Kardashian’s choice to wear Monroe’s treasured dress. Originally crafted by designer Jean Louis, the gown was custom-made exclusively for Monroe and had never been worn by anyone else. Critics contended that the dress was an irreplaceable piece of fashion history that should have remained preserved rather than being altered or re-worn.

The debate only intensified when reports surfaced suggesting the dress had suffered damage after the event, with missing embellishments and signs of deterioration. Although Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, the current custodian of the gown, refuted claims of permanent harm, the incident further fueled the criticism directed at Kardashian.

Marilyn Monroe captured in the dress Kim Kardashian wore six decades later. Credit: Getty.

Regardless of Kardashian’s confidence in her cultural influence, Monroe’s place in history remains unwavering. The Hollywood icon continues to be a timeless symbol of beauty, talent, and artistic significance.

While Kardashian’s Met Gala appearance undoubtedly captured media attention, it is evident that Marilyn Monroe’s legacy never required an introduction.