Marilyn Monroe‘s “Forever Marilyn” statue was first erected in Palm Springs, California, before being moved to other locations and back; however, the neighborhood residents do not want it around any longer. Following protests and pushback from the locals, it will now be moved to a less conspicuous area.
The 26-foot statue depicts the famous scene from 1955’s The Seven Year Itch, where Monroe’s character stands over a subway grate and has her skirt blown up by the gust of wind, showing off her underwear and legs. Although it was an exciting flick, the locals have deemed its gigantic recreation a distasteful example for children in the area.
Residents say ‘Forever Marilyn’ is a sexist image
Palm Springs locals are furious about the sexist monument, which also causes parking issues at the community’s Art Museum. The museum’s former executive director, Louis Grachos, also supported these claims, saying it was too sexually charged and disrespectful for such public display.
Another former executive, Elizabeth Armstrong, highlighted the dangers of the statue in a time of heightened sexual violence and misogyny in the country. More critics noted that there is more to the late actress than her sexual appeal, which appears to be what she is mostly remembered for.
Protesters suggest a new location
While the plan is to move “Forever Marilyn” to a more secluded part of the same area, protesters like artist Nathan Coutts suggested that it be set among the concrete dinosaurs near Cabazon, where tourists can park to take pictures and admire it as they please.
Marilyn Monroe, in a gold metallic dress
by William Travilla, 1953
The 34,000-lb. artwork made of aluminum and stainless steel was created by Seward Johnson and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to make. It bore the brunt of offended people’s reactions ever since its inception but has also won the hearts of many fans including Monroe impersonator Suzie Kennedy.