‘Scandalous’ Marilyn Statue Removed in Palm Springs

In an era in which the United States is grappling with the sense of decency and sexism, even a statue of Marilyn Monroe is causing a scandal. The object of the controversy is a gigantic sculpture, almost eight meters high, which represents the actress posing from one of the most famous scenes in cinema, those taken from ‘The Seven Year Itch’ (1955), when she positions herself on the grate of the New York subway to enjoy the breeze that comes out of it, regardless of the fact that it lifts the skirt of her dress.
‘Forever Marilyn’ as it was called, is the work of the artist Seward Johnson and after being exhibited in several US cities, it was purchased for a million dollars by the owner of a resort in Palm Springs, California, it has been there since 2021. It is one of the most photographed attractions. However, for some residents the statue is in bad taste and sexist. It is also located in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum and according to what the then director Louis Grachos said at the time, “I find it extremely offensive, to think of the kids who come out of our museum and the first thing they see is the underwear of this huge sculpture of Marilyn.”
After a years-long battle and even a lawsuit against the city administration, a truce has been reached. The giant Marilyn will find a new home in a city park. The statue will have to be married within a month.