The unveiling of a statue depicting Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe in an iconic pose drew the ire of protestors in Palm Springs, California over the weekend.
TMZ reports that a few dozen people in opposition to the art piece — dubbed “Forever Marilyn” — turned out to speak out against the unveiling of the 26-foot statue on Sunday night.
City officials held the event to reveal the statue of Monroe holding down her dress from the iconic scene in the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch.”
Protestors at the event chanted phrases detracting the stainless steel monument, chanting “Hey hey! Ho ho! Misogyny has to go!” and, during officials’ remarks, simply exclaiming “Exploitation! Exploitation!”
The statue was installed on Museum Way, a conduit to the Palm Springs Air Museum, reports Desert Sun.
Detractors specifically have a problem with the underwear that can be seen under the dress when standing behind the statue.
“When you exit the museum, the statue is designed to look at her crotch and look at her buttocks and take photos. And that is no longer acceptable,” Emiliana Guereca, executive director of Women's March Foundation, told the Desert Sun.
“It may have been acceptable in the 1950s, but we are in 2021 fighting the same thing and women are saying enough is enough,” Guereca added.
Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege said the statue, which was previously in the city between 2012 and 2014, was “greatly missed” by the local community.
“We are happy to have her back,” Holstege said as she delivered remarks in front of the calves of the statues.
Some visitors in the audience did turn out to show their support, cheering, “Marilyn! Marilyn!”
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