Marilyn Monroe Statue Relocated in Palm Springs

The 26-foot-tall statue 'Forever Marilyn', depicting an iconic scene from the 1955 film 'The Seven Year Itch', will be relocated within Downtown Park in Palm Springs, California, following years of community controversy. The decision was confirmed by Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, who stated that the City Council found a satisfactory solution to the divided opinions surrounding the statue's placement. Critics, including Palm Springs Art Museum executive director Louis Grachos, argued that the statue's positioning, with Monroe's back facing the museum, objectified women and was inappropriate for schoolchildren visiting the museum. Local fashion designer Trina Turk also led a campaign to relocate the statue, raising over $115,000 through GoFundMe to support her efforts against what she deemed a 'sexist' display. The statue has been a source of contention since its return in 2021 after a previous removal in 2014, with various community members expressing concerns over its impact on young visitors. The exact new location within the park has yet to be determined, but the statue will remain in the same 1.5-acre space.