Kim Kardashian Claims People 'Didn't Know' Marilyn Monroe So She Was 'Happy' To Continue Her Legacy With Her Dress

Sep 20, 2023 by apost team

Kim Kardashian, known for her headline-grabbing statements and actions as a reality TV sensation, drew interest with her claim that people didn't know who Marilyn Monroe was until she wore the superstar's iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress at the 2022 Met Gala.

Kardashian, who faced intense scrutiny and criticism for wearing the historic dress, made this assertion during an interview on "Today" while promoting her skincare line in June 2022.

Host Savannah Guthrie brought up a behind-the-scenes conversation in which Kardashian expressed her shock that some people, especially the Gen Z crowd on TikTok, were unaware of the most popular sex symbol from the 1950s to the 1960s. She expressed her joy at having the opportunity to wear Monroe's dress at a high-profile event and appreciated that Ripley's Believe It or Not! provided her with the chance to preserve the moment for posterity.

Monroe famously wore the dress when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in May 1962, just three months before her tragic death. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, Monroe made a name for herself in Hollywood as the blonde bombshell on the big screen. 

The actress’ movies raked millions in the box office, especially after she passed away at 36 years old. Authorities ruled her death as a probable suicide, citing her struggles with addiction and mood disorders. However, a number of conspiracy theories emerged over the years surrounding the circumstances of her death. 

Even after she died, Monroe was still a very famous figure in pop culture. In fact, the American Film Institute cited Monroe in 1999 as the sixth most legendary female movie star from Hollywood's Golden Age.

“That was so shocking to me, and that’s why I was so happy to at least have that opportunity and that Ripley's gave me the opportunity to share this moment so that it could live on,” Kardashian told Guthrie, explaining her surprise that many people didn’t know the legendary star. "I respect her and I understand how much this dress means to American history," she added.

However, some people were not pleased by what Kardashian revealed.

"People don't know who Marilyn Monroe was?" said a commenter who watched the show on YouTube. "So what is Kim trying to say, that she needed to introduce Marilyn to the world?"

"She is really reaching out for positive public recognition, and the respect for the dress that it deserved. It has been ruined,” another viewer remarked.

"Some people need to stop living on TikTok if they don't know who Marilyn Monroe is!" said another commenter.

Kardashian also insisted that Monroe's dress had not been damaged. She detailed that Ripley's, which bought the dress at an auction in 2016 for over $5 million, sent handlers wearing gloves to assist her in putting it on.

“I showed up to the red carpet in a robe and slippers,” Kardashian shared. “I put the dress on (at) the bottom of the carpet, went up the stairs. I probably had it on for four minutes and then I changed right at the top of the stairs.”

Kardashian also shared the extreme measures she took to fit into the dress, stating that she had to lose at least 14 pounds in just three weeks. Whilst critics have accused Kardashian of promoting unhealthy weight loss practices, she said she simply followed a strict diet without sugar and carbs and focused on consuming clean vegetables and protein. 

apost.com

What's your take on Kim Kardashian's tribute to Marilyn Monroe? What do you think about her claim of introducing Monroe's legacy to a new generation? We'd like to hear what you think, especially Monroe or Kardashian fans!