On what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 99th birthday, Kim Kardashian is once again at the center of controversy—this time igniting both outrage and admiration with a single social media post that has left fans, critics, and even Hollywood insiders completely divided. In a move no one saw coming—but some say was “inevitable”—Kim posted a stylized photo of herself draped in what appeared to be a replica of Monroe’s iconic white “Seven Year Itch” dress, paired with the caption: “The original blonde bombshell taught us all how to break the mold. Happy 99th birthday, legend.”

The post immediately sent shockwaves across the internet.

While some hailed it as a heartfelt tribute, many accused Kardashian of exploiting Monroe’s legacy for attention, especially given her previous controversial decision to wear Monroe’s actual “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress to the 2022 Met Gala—an event that sparked weeks of backlash from fashion historians and Monroe fans alike.

“Another stunt disguised as a tribute”

By midday, #MarilynDeservedBetter was trending on X (formerly Twitter), as users flooded timelines with heated commentary. One user wrote, “Kim Kardashian using Marilyn’s birthday to push her own image again is peak self-promotion.” Others referenced her past controversies involving Monroe, with another user adding, “She wore Marilyn’s actual dress, potentially damaged it, and now this? It’s not homage—it’s ego.”

Cultural critics were quick to weigh in. Dr. Lena Thompkins, a celebrity historian and author of Hollywood’s Women and Their Ghosts, said in an interview with Entertainment Week, “This moment underscores a much deeper issue—Kim’s desire to be perceived as a modern Monroe without acknowledging the trauma and complexity of Marilyn’s life. You can’t cherry-pick the glamour without respecting the pain.”

Meanwhile, fans of Monroe’s legacy called the post “tone-deaf” and “another attempt to rewrite pop culture history,” pointing to the fact that Kardashian’s empire has, at times, stood in stark contrast to Monroe’s struggles with objectification and mental health.

Supporters defend Kim’s post

Despite the uproar, Kim’s defenders were just as vocal. Celebrities like Paris Hilton and La La Anthony reposted the image with praise, and younger fans on Instagram flooded the comments with heart emojis and applause. “Kim is keeping Marilyn relevant for a new generation. What’s the harm in that?” one fan commented.

Others saw it as an intentional provocation. “She knew what she was doing. Kim understands the power of controversy, and she owns it,” said marketing expert Jason Orley. “Posting that image on Monroe’s birthday was no accident—it’s brand mastery.”

Still, the reaction wasn’t limited to fans. Several media outlets noted the uncomfortable timing of the tribute, which landed just days after rumors circulated about a potential biopic Kim’s team was allegedly pitching to Netflix—one in which Kardashian would play Monroe.

“Yes, we’ve heard the whispers,” said a Netflix insider who spoke under condition of anonymity. “It’s being discussed. Some are excited about the idea. Others think it’s going to spark a cultural war.”

“The ghost of Marilyn Monroe still can’t rest”

The Kardashian camp has yet to comment officially, but sources close to the star say she “meant no disrespect” and simply “wanted to honor a woman she deeply admires.” But for many, that sentiment rings hollow in the shadow of a multi-billion-dollar empire built on media spectacle.

Hollywood columnist Diane Morrow summed it up bluntly: “Marilyn Monroe spent her life trying to be taken seriously. Kim Kardashian has spent hers trying to be taken seriously as Marilyn Monroe.”

The backlash comes at a moment when Monroe’s image is being fiercely reexamined in the public eye. With the 100th anniversary of her birth just one year away, historians and preservationists are calling for more careful handling of her legacy—especially from celebrities who use her likeness to boost their own profiles.

Whether Kim’s post will be remembered as a bold statement or a PR misfire remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: 99 years after Marilyn’s birth, her name still sparks chaos, passion, and headlines—and Kim Kardashian knows exactly how to step into that spotlight.

And maybe, that’s what she wanted all along.