Kim Kardashian has once again stirred controversy by claiming that many people were unaware of Marilyn Monroe until she wore the Hollywood legend’s dress at the 2022 Met Gala.
Her statement has drawn criticism online, with many calling it both inaccurate and self-centered. In an interview reflecting on the now-famous Met Gala moment, Kardashian implied that her choice to wear Monroe’s iconic gown helped introduce the actress to a younger audience.
“I think a lot of people didn’t even know who she was,” she remarked, discussing Monroe’s cultural relevance before the event.
“That was the most surprising thing to me, and that’s why I was grateful for the opportunity Ripley’s gave me to showcase this moment and keep her legacy alive.”
She also acknowledged the historical significance of the dress, stating, “I respect her, and I understand how much this dress means to American history,” as reported by The Express US.
The gown in question is the dazzling, figure-hugging dress that Marilyn Monroe famously wore in 1962 while serenading then-President John F. Kennedy with Happy Birthday. As one of the most iconic pieces in fashion history, Kardashian’s claim came as a shock to many critics.
Her remark sparked widespread backlash, with many arguing that Monroe had already cemented her status as one of history’s most famous women long before the reality star donned her dress. Social media was flooded with reactions mocking the statement, as users emphasized Monroe’s lasting influence on film, pop culture, and fashion.
“Marilyn Monroe was, is, and always will be a global icon. Kim Kardashian wearing her dress didn’t change that,” one person tweeted. Others pointed to Monroe’s impact on Hollywood, feminism, and celebrity culture, criticizing Kardashian’s comment as dismissive of the star’s enduring legacy.
Historians also joined the conversation, emphasizing that Monroe’s legacy extends far beyond her fashion choices and has been influential for decades.
“Monroe’s films, personal struggles, and impact on Hollywood have been studied extensively,” one expert pointed out. “She was already a household name long before Kim Kardashian was even born.”
The 2022 Met Gala itself was already a source of controversy due to Kardashian’s decision to wear Monroe’s legendary dress. Originally designed by Jean Louis, the gown was custom-made for Monroe and had never been worn by anyone else. Critics argued that the dress was an irreplaceable piece of fashion history that should have remained untouched.
The debate intensified when reports emerged claiming the dress had been damaged after the event, with missing crystals and visible signs of wear. Although Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which owns the gown, denied any lasting harm, the controversy only added to the backlash surrounding Kardashian’s involvement.
Despite Kardashian’s belief in her own influence, Monroe’s legacy remains firmly intact. The Hollywood icon continues to be a timeless symbol of beauty, talent, and cultural significance. Although Kardashian’s Met Gala appearance sparked conversation and headlines, it’s evident that Marilyn Monroe’s place in history never required an introduction.