Kim Kardashian Says People 'Didn't Know' Marilyn Monroe Before Met Gala

When Kim Kardashian made her entrance at the Met Gala wearing the same dress Monroe donned for her unforgettable performance for John F. Kennedy in 1962, it certainly got people talking.

Kim faced backlash for losing a significant amount of weight in a very short period to fit into the dress. 

Moreover, there were accusations that she had caused damage to the iconic dress, allegations she has firmly refuted.

In a conversation on the Today Show, the host, Savannah, mentioned to Kim: 

"We were just talking, you said you were shocked on TikTok, some people don't even know who Marilyn Monroe was."

Kim Kardashian rocked the actual dress Marilyn Monroe wore when she sang 'Happy Birthday Mr President' to John F. Kennedy in 1962. Credit: Alamy

Kim responded, saying: "That was the most shocking thing 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."

Monroe famously wore the dress at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, just a few months before she passed away.

Kim went on to express: "I respect her and I understand how much this dress means to American history."

"With the theme being American, I thought what is more American than Marilyn Monroe singing 'Happy Birthday' to the president of the United States."

Marilyn Monroe, on the occasion of President Kennedy's 45th birthday celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Credit: Alamy

The mother of four also shared: "It was such a process. I showed up to the red carpet in a robe and slippers."

"I put the dress on at the bottom of the carpet, walked up the stairs, I probably had it on for four minutes and then I changed right at the top of the stairs."

Despite rumors, Kim insists that the dress was not damaged during the event.

She clarified: "No. [Ripley's and I] worked together so well."

"There were handlers and gloves involved in putting it on me."

Previously, Kim told Vogue that she had to shed 16 pounds (1.14 stone) in just three weeks. 

The 41-year-old described her intense regimen: 'I would wear a sauna suit twice a day, run on the treadmill, completely cut out all sugar and all carbs, and just eat the cleanest veggies and protein.'

Now, addressing the criticisms, Kim stated: "I'm not trying to lose any more weight, but I have more energy than ever."

"I cut out so much sugar, a lot of junk food I was eating. I just completely changed my lifestyle."