Kim Kardashian has once again found herself at the center of controversy after claiming that many people didn’t know who Marilyn Monroe was until she wore the Hollywood icon’s dress to the 2022 Met Gala.

The reality star’s 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 Monroe’s iconic dress introduced the legendary actress to a new generation.

“I think a lot of people didn’t even know who she was,” she said, referencing Monroe’s cultural relevance before the event.

“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.”

She went on to say she is aware of the dress’ importance. “I respect her and I understand how much this dress means to American history,” she said, per The Express US.

The dress in question is the sparkling, form-fitting gown Monroe famously wore in 1962 while singing Happy Birthday to then-President John F. Kennedy.

It remains one of the most recognizable pieces of fashion history, making Kardashian’s statement all the more surprising to critics.

Kardashian’s remark was met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that Monroe 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 Monroe’s enduring legacy in film, pop culture, and fashion.

“Marilyn Monroe was, is, and always will be a global icon. Kim Kardashian wearing her dress didn’t change that,” one person tweeted. Others highlighted Monroe’s impact on Hollywood, feminism, and celebrity culture, calling Kardashian’s comments dismissive of the star’s legacy.

Historians also weighed in, noting that Monroe’s influence spans decades and extends far beyond her fashion choices.

“Monroe’s films, personal struggles, and contributions to Hollywood have been studied for years,” one expert noted. “She was a household name long before Kim Kardashian was even born.”

The 2022 Met Gala itself was already controversial due to Kardashian’s decision to wear Monroe’s 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 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, which owns the dress, denied any permanent damage, the controversy further fueled criticism of Kardashian’s involvement.

Despite Kardashian’s confidence in her influence, Monroe’s place in history remains secure. The Hollywood star remains an enduring symbol of beauty, talent, and cultural impact.

While Kardashian’s Met Gala moment certainly generated headlines, it’s clear that Marilyn Monroe’s legacy was never in need of an introduction.

Of course, celebs – be they singers, actors, producers, athletes or entrepreneurs – are humans just like the rest of us, and so this misconception often perpetuated by the media that they’re all flawless is rightly dying out over the time.

I’m not saying those people who spend their lives in front of TV cameras aren’t enviously beautiful, because a lot of the time they are just that.

I’m just trying to remind people that A: True beauty comes from the heart, and B: Celebs don’t need several tons of makeup and the perfect lighting to look good.

As if to banish this ancient myth once and for all, it seems as though more and more celebrities are prepared to post more candid images of themselves on their social media channels; giving fans a view of them in a more private light, stripped of all the smoke and mirrors.

Christina Applegate certainly looks to be one said celeb. The 49-year-old actress has been a staple of the spotlight for many years now, having risen to fame after her breakout role as Kelly Bundy on Married … with Children.

A litany of TV shows and films later, and Christina’s beauty is known to all. But just how does the 49-year-old look away from the glare of camera? What is she up to nowadays? Here’s all you need to know …

Christina Applegate was born on November 25, 1971, in Hollywood California. Her father, Robert Applegate, was a record producer and record company executive, while her mother, Nancy Priddy, is a singer and actress.

With parents like those, and having been born in the place that’s seen by many as the beating heart of showbiz, it would appear that Christina’s destiny was written before she even entered the world.

A great career

Indeed, it wasn’t long before Christina was starting to forge a career in the film business. She made her television debut in 1972, just one year after being born, alongside her mother in the soap opera Days of Our Lives, before starring in a commercial for Playtex baby bottles at three and five months respectively.

She went from strength to strength as she got older, making her film debut in 1981 horror flick Jaws of Satan and her television debut as a young Grace Kelly in the biopic Grace Kelly (1983).

It was in 1987 that she would land her breakthrough role, however, appearing on screens as Kelly Bundy in Married … with Children when she was just 16.

That was a role that not only brought her huge exposure, but also lasted ten years. During that decade, a host of other roles both fleshed out her C.V. and endeared her to the public. She hosted Saturday Night Live in 1993, and roles in Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! (1996) and Nowhere (1997) followed.

It was around this time that she missed out on a role that would surely have rewritten the history books. As per reports, Christina auditioned for the role of Rose in James Cameron’s 1996 epic Titanic, but lost out to Kate Winslet.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and it’s safe to say Christina had become a mainstay in the ever-changing world of TV and film. Fans may remember her portrayals in flicks like Just Visiting and Prince Charming (both 2001) and Surviving Christmas (2004), where she starred opposite Ben Affleck.

She also received special recognition for her role as anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone in comedy hit Anchorwoman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

More recently, she can be seen in the series Dead to Me, which has been running since 2019.

Personal life

Though it might seem like an impossible task given her busy work schedule, Applegate’s also had plenty to deal with over the years where her personal life is concerned.

On October 20, 2001, Applegate married actor Jonathon Schaech in Palm Springs, California, though the latter filed for divorce four years later in 2005, citing irreconcilable differences.

After that divorce went through in 2007, Christina then began dating Dutch musician Martyn LeNoble in 2009, and the couple later married in 2013. They share a daughter, Sadie Grace, who was born in January of 2011.

Something many fans might not know is that Christian Applegate is actually a cancer survivor.

The actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, with her representative saying at the time: “Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor-ordered MRI, the cancer is not life-threatening. Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery.”

On August 2008, it was confirmed that Christina was cancer-free, having undergone a double mastectomy.

Christina these days

Take one look at Christina Applegate these days and you’ll see that she has every inch of the inspiring elegance she always had. Glitz and glam go hand-in-hand with an actress such as she, and her social media channels are full of pictures flaunting her eye-catching beauty.

And yet there are also plenty of pictures to be found on Instagram where Christina can be seen stripping away the makeup and the fancy dresses and embracing her natural radiance.

Naturally, it’s Christina’s choice to wear as little or as much makeup as she wants – after all, a person should always present themselves in a manner they’re entirely comfortable with.

All the same, it’s nice to see her ‘no-makeup’ photos, particularly in this age where it feels like people are keen to put a filter on everything they show to the world.

Sadly, the Dead to Me star was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021.

Appelgate was filming the third and final season of Dead to Me when she was diagnosed with MS. She was forced to take a break to seek treatment, but she was also determined to finish the show. However, it took months before she could watch herself in Married with Children after it was released.

”I don’t like seeing myself struggling,” she explained.

”Also, I gained 40 lbs. because of inactivity and medications, and I didn’t look like myself, and I didn’t feel like myself.”

When she returned to filming, she realized things were very different.

“I was a wreck every day, but most of that wreck would take place in my trailer by myself. But there were times I’d break down on set and be like, ‘I can’t, we have to take a break, I need a half-hour,’ and everyone was so loving that it was OK.”

In 2023, she received a standing ovation that reduced her to tears at the 75th annual Emmy Awards.

The actress’ well-documented battle with multiple sclerosis has captured the sympathies of fans the world over, and though her health issues have no doubt been a huge struggle, Applegate continues to put on a brave face.

The 54-year-old took to the stage, aided by a cane, to present two awards at the Emmys, and her appearance was celebrated by those in attendance.

I don’t know about you, but I think Christina Applegate is a true beauty, and obviously a hard-working professional with a tremendous amount of talent to boot.

No matter what Christina Applegate chooses to do with her future, I hope she realizes the incredible work she has given fans over the past several decades.

Share this article with friends and family on Facebook if you agree it’s great to see celebs showing that you don’t always have to be caked in make-up to look fantastic!

Brendan Johnston, a former high school wrestler from Colorado, knows all about that. Back in 2018, he reportedly forfeited no less than two state tournament matches that were supposed to take place against girls.

In doing so, he effectively ended his high school career in the sport, citing his religious and personal beliefs as his reason for refusing to accept the matches.

The subject of pitting adult male versus adult female in physical competition is one that’s perhaps discussed more often these days than ever before.

Of course, for the most part, people believe that it’s unfair to make men and women go head to head. The two sexes are so different in many ways, not least biologically, and so the playing field isn’t even from the get-go.

In any case, 18-year-old Brendan Johnson took umbrage to the idea of wrestling against Jaslynn Gallegos of Skyview High in the first round of a state tournament in 2018. Brendan, then a senior at the Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, opted not to fight Angel Rios from Valley High in his third-round consolation match either.

Speaking to KDVR, Brendan, who is Christian, said: “It’s so physical, physically close. I don’t think that’s really appropriate with a young lady. It’s also very aggressive and I’m not really, I guess, comfortable with that.”

He continued: “There is something that I really do find problematic about the idea of wrestling with a girl, and a part of that does come from my faith and my belief.

“And a part of that does come from how I was raised to treat women as well as maybe from different experiences and things.

“I don’t think that I am looking at them as not equal. I am saying that they are women and that is different than being men, because I do believe that men and women are different and we are made differently.

“But I still believe that women are of equal value to men. I don’t think that seeing men and women as different [opposes] the idea of equality.”

As a result of Brendan’s decision not to wrestle the two girls, he placed sixth, while Angel and Jaslynn placed fourth and fifth respectively.

Jaslynn, however, was disappointed by Brendan opting out of a potential match. Speaking to the Washington Post at the time, she said: “This whole time that I’ve wrestled, it’s just me trying to prove a point that I am just a wrestler.

“And so the fact that my gender is something that kind of holds me back still is just a little nerve-racking, but I respect his decision. It’s fine.

See more on Brendan’s big call here:

“My whole thing is that I’m not a girl wrestler; I’m just a wrestler. So it kind of doesn’t hurt my feelings, but I do kind of take it to heart.”

What do you think about Brendan’s decision to refuse to wrestle a female? Let us know in the comments box.