In a move reflecting the rising tides of political correctness, Palm Springs is set to relegate its iconic Marilyn Monroe statue to a less prominent location, following intense backlash from local critics. The statue, which has been a staple of the downtown landscape for three years, depicts the famous scene from the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch,” with Monroe’s white dress billowing over a subway grate.
This towering 26-foot statue, aptly named “Forever Marilyn” by Seward Johnson, was initially placed as a major draw for tourists, positioned prominently next to a downtown park. However, its placement has sparked significant controversy, with detractors condemning it as “sexist” and an inappropriate sight for children.
The controversy began with complaints about the statue’s overtly sexual nature and the sight of Monroe’s underwear, which some local parents and activists deemed offensive. Critics argued that the statue objectified the legendary actress, reducing her to little more than a sexualized icon and thus sending the wrong message to young viewers.
“The City Council is very pleased to have found a satisfactory solution to this issue, which has divided so many within our community,” said Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. The statue’s new location within the park has yet to be disclosed, but it is clear that the statue’s once-celebrated prominence is being significantly diminished.
Originally installed in 2014, the statue was removed due to similar controversies and returned in 2021, only to ignite a new round of criticism. Critics included former Palm Springs Art Museum executive director Louis Grachos, who argued that the statue’s position, which exposed Monroe’s backside and underwear to the public, was a glaring example of misogyny. Grachos and others expressed concern that it objectified women and presented a demeaning view of Monroe, who passed away in 1962.
Elizabeth Armstrong, another former museum director, harshly criticized the statue as “a monument to misogyny,” suggesting that it perpetuated harmful attitudes towards women and encouraged voyeuristic behavior.
Local protests against the statue were vocal and visible. Activists carried signs denouncing the statue as a symbol of outdated and sexist attitudes, and a Change.org petition emerged, calling for the statue’s removal or relocation to a less central location, such as near the “concrete dinosaurs” of Cabazon, where it could exist as a quirky roadside attraction rather than a central monument.
Despite the backlash, the statue also has its defenders. Scott White, president and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, defended the statue’s role in the local tourism industry. “It was immediately embraced by visitors,” White stated, noting that the statue had been a significant success in attracting tourists and generating interest. The statue was acquired in 2021 for $1 million by P.S. Resorts, a group dedicated to promoting tourism in the area.
While the statue’s relocation marks a concession to critics, it remains a point of contention that reflects broader debates about art, public spaces, and societal values. The decision underscores the complex interplay between cultural symbols and community sensibilities in today’s politically charged climate.
