Kim Kardashian has once again found herself at the center of controversy after claiming that many people didnāt know who Marilyn Monroe was until she wore the Hollywood iconās dress to the 2022 Met Gala.
The reality starās comments have sparked backlash online, with critics calling her statement both inaccurate and self-centered.
During an interview reflecting on her now-famous Met Gala moment, Kardashian suggested that her decision to wear Monroeās iconic dress introduced the legendary actress to a new generation.
āI think a lot of people didnāt even know who she was,ā she said, referencing Monroeās cultural relevance before the event.
āThat was the most shocking thing to me and thatās why I was so happy to at least have that opportunity and that Ripleyās gave me the opportunity to share this moment so that it could live on.ā
She went on to say she is aware of the dressā importance. āI respect her and I understand how much this dress means to American history,ā she said, perĀ The Express US.
The dress in question is the sparkling, form-fitting gown Monroe famously wore in 1962 while singingĀ Happy BirthdayĀ to then-President John F. Kennedy.
It remains one of the most recognizable pieces of fashion history, making Kardashianās statement all the more surprising to critics.
KardashianāsĀ remark was met with widespread criticism, with many arguing thatĀ MonroeĀ was already one of the most famous women in history, long before the reality star stepped into her dress. Social media erupted with users mocking the claim, with some pointing out Monroeās enduring legacy in film, pop culture, and fashion.
āMarilyn Monroe was, is, and always will be a global icon. Kim Kardashian wearing her dress didnāt change that,ā one person tweeted. Others highlighted Monroeās impact on Hollywood, feminism, and celebrity culture, calling Kardashianās comments dismissive of the starās legacy.

Historians also weighed in, noting that Monroeās influence spans decades and extends far beyond her fashion choices.
āMonroeās films, personal struggles, and contributions to Hollywood have been studied for years,ā one expert noted. āShe was a household name long before Kim Kardashian was even born.ā
The 2022 Met Gala itself was already controversial due to Kardashianās decision to wear Monroeās historic dress. The gown, originally designed by Jean Louis, was custom-made for Monroe and had only ever been worn by her. Critics argued that the dress was a fragile piece of fashion history and should not have been altered or worn again.
Adding to the debate, reports surfaced claiming that the dress had been damaged after the event, with missing crystals and signs of wear. While Ripleyās Believe It or Not! Museum, which owns the dress, denied any permanent damage, the controversy further fueled criticism of Kardashianās involvement.

Despite Kardashianās confidence in her influence, Monroeās place in history remains secure. The Hollywood star remains an enduring symbol of beauty, talent, and cultural impact.
While Kardashianās Met Gala moment certainly generated headlines, itās clear that Marilyn Monroeās legacy was never in need of an introduction.