Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

When images of Marilyn Monroe’s damaged 1962 Jean Louis dress surfaced after Kim Kardashian wore it to the 2022 Met Gala, the reality star received an onslaught of backlash. However, the owner of the gown, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, has since “debunked” the allegations and said Kardashian did not actually damage the gown. 

Issuing a statement on June 16, Ripley’s Vice President of Publishing and Licensing said, “From the bottom of the Met steps, where Kim got into the dress, to the top where it was returned, the dress was in the same condition it started in. Adding, that she “did not in any way, damage the garment in the short amount of time it was worn at the Met Gala.”

Images Courtesy of Getty (L-R) Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Met Gala, Marilyn Monroe sings “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden, 1962

Kardashian wore the original gown for her red carpet walk, and switched into a replica for the duration of the evening. Ripley’s originally denied Kardashian permission to wear the legendary gown when it did not fit, causing Kardashian to lose 16 pounds for the dress. 

Images of the gown, back on display at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Orlando, Florida, were posted by Scott Fortner of the Instagram account @marilynmonroecolletion, showcasing the gown with substantial tears around the zipper, and with many crystals missing. 

A 2017 report details the damaged caused to the gown throughout its expansive lifespan. “A number of the seams are pulled and worn. This is not surprising given how delicate the material is. There is puckering at the back by the hooks and eyes,” the report states

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has continued to display the gown at its various attractions around the world, acknowledging the risks involved for the dress’ preservation. “Our mission is to both entertain and educate visitors and fans, and sparking conversations like the discourse around Marilyn Monroe’s dress does just that,” said Ripley’s. “No matter which side of the debate you are on, the historical importance of the dress has not been negated, but rather highlighted. A entirely new group of young people has now been introduced to the legacy of Marilyn Monroe.” 

Kardashian has received multiple waves of backlash since wearing Monroe’s dress. After Kardashian stated that she lost 16 pounds to fit into the gown, many felt she was fostering a negative and unhealthy narrative around diet culture. While the conversation around whether the gown should have been worn at all, for both preservation and history’s sake, designer Bob Mackie (who originally sketched the gown) told Entertainment Weekly it was a “big mistake.” Adding, “It was designed for [Monroe]. Nobody else should be seen in that dress.”