Kim Kardashian stirred controversy by claiming people “didn’t know” who Marilyn Monroe was until she wore her iconic dress. The reality star donned Monroe’s famous “Happy Birthday Mr President” dress at the 2022 Met Gala. The decision sparked widespread criticism for various reasons.
The SKIMS founder faced accusations of damaging the historic garment. She has consistently denied these claims, asserting the dress remained intact. Additionally, Kim’s drastic weight loss for the event drew ire for promoting unhealthy practices.
To wear the dress, Kim revealed she lost over a stone in three weeks. She described wearing a sauna suit twice daily and cutting out sugar and carbs. Her diet included only the “cleanest veggies and protein.”
This extreme weight loss approach led to significant backlash. Critics accused Kim of endorsing dangerous health practices. Many argued her actions set unrealistic standards for body image.
In response, Kim defended her transformation to Vogue. She claimed she wasn’t promoting rapid weight loss to others. Instead, she said it gave her “more energy than ever.”
Kim compared her efforts to actors like Christian Bale and Renée Zellweger. She noted that actors often alter their bodies for roles without similar criticism. “It’s all the same to me,” she told The New York Times.
She emphasized that she wasn’t encouraging others to follow her example. Kim insisted her lifestyle change was personal and not a public directive. However, the controversy persisted among fans and critics alike.
Another point of contention was the potential damage to Monroe’s dress. Scott Fortner, a Monroe memorabilia collector, shared photos suggesting stretched fabric and missing crystals. These images fueled speculation about the garment’s condition post-Gala.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, the dress’s owner, refuted these claims. They stated that “great care” was taken to preserve the dress. Conservationists, appraisers, and archivists were consulted to ensure its safety.
Ripley’s clarified that no alterations were made to the dress. Kim even switched to a replica after walking the red carpet. This precaution was meant to protect the historic artifact.
The International Council of Museums, however, disagrees with such use. They argue that historic garments should not be worn by anyone. This stance, reported by The Guardian, added fuel to the debate.
Ripley’s issued a statement defending Kim’s brief wearing of the dress. They confirmed it was undamaged during the short time she wore it. The dress was handled carefully from start to finish.
Amanda Joiner, Ripley’s Vice President of Publishing and Licensing, supported this claim. She noted the dress was in the same condition after Kim wore it. The process was tightly controlled, from the Met steps to its return.
Kim did not pay to wear the dress, nor was she paid by Ripley’s. Instead, she made a charitable donation to two Orlando-area charities. Ripley’s highlighted this as part of the arrangement.
Kim defended her choice to wear the dress before the event. She expressed respect for its significance in American history. “I would never want to sit in it or eat in it,” she said.
To minimize risk, Kim arrived at the Met Gala in a robe and slippers. She put on the dress at the base of the carpet. She wore it for only four minutes before changing.
Kim emphasized the careful handling of the dress. She noted that handlers used gloves to dress her. “Ripley’s and I worked together so well,” she insisted.
The latest controversy arose from Kim’s recent comments. During an appearance on Today with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, she discussed the dress. The conversation took a surprising turn.
Kim claimed that many people were unaware of Marilyn Monroe before the Gala. She suggested her wearing the dress brought renewed attention to the icon. This statement shocked the hosts and viewers alike.
Social media erupted with criticism of Kim’s remarks. One user wrote, “Ain’t no way Kim Kardashian said many people didn’t know who Marilyn Monroe was.” The audacity of her claim stunned many.
Another commenter called out Kim’s “ego” and detachment from reality. “What a bubble she lives in, covered only with money,” they remarked. The backlash highlighted public frustration with her perspective.
Marilyn Monroe wore the dress in 1962 at Madison Square Garden. She famously sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. The moment remains a cultural milestone.
Kim acknowledged the dress’s historical weight. “What is more American than Marilyn Monroe singing to the President?” she asked. She viewed the Gala’s American theme as fitting.
Guthrie referenced a prior conversation where Kim expressed surprise. She noted that some TikTok users were unaware of Monroe. Kim doubled down, calling it “the most shocking thing” to her.
Kim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the dress. She credited Ripley’s for allowing her to “share this moment.” Her goal was to let Monroe’s legacy “live on.”
Despite her intentions, Kim’s comments have reignited debate. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions around celebrity influence and historical respect. Her actions continue to polarize opinions.