In a world obsessed with labelling, Marilyn Monroe’s sexuality has become a subject of intense speculation. Here we will shed light on Marilyn Monroe’s views on sexuality, emphasising the importance of refraining from labelling others, especially when they are no longer here to defend themselves.

The Pitfall of Labels

Labels often create a false sense of security for those who use them. People are quick to assign labels like “queer-baiting” or make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation without concrete evidence. This trend is not only unfair but also robs individuals of their right to privacy.

The TikTok Generation’s Interpretation

The TikTok generation has taken various aspects of Marilyn Monroe’s life and assigned labels like ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. While it is essential to raise awareness about mental health, it is equally vital to base such claims on genuine and factual information. The same goes for sexuality.

Understanding Asexuality

Asexuality, as officially defined, refers to the lack of sexual attraction to others or low interest in sexual activity. However, it is crucial to note that Marilyn Monroe’s experiences do not align with asexuality, as she openly discussed her enjoyment of sex in interviews and conversations which you will see below.

“A man who kissed me once had said it was very possible, I was a lesbian because I apparently had no response to males – meaning him. I didn’t contradict him because I didn’t know what I was. There were times even when I didn’t feel human and times when all I could think of was dying. There was also the sinister fact that a well-made woman had always thrilled me to look at. Now having fallen in love, I knew what I was. It wasn’t a lesbian.” – Marilyn Monroe to Ben Hecht in 1954.

 “The world and its excitement over sex didn’t seem crazy. In fact, it didn’t seem crazy enough.” – Marilyn Monroe to Ben Hecht in 1954

“I think that sexuality is only attractive when it’s natural and spontaneous. This is where a lot of them miss the boat. And then something I’d just like to spout off on. We are all born sexual creatures, thank God, but it’s a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift. Art, real art, comes from it — everything.” – Marilyn Monroe to Richard Meryman in 1962.

“It’s a part of nature. I go along with nature.” – Marilyn Monroe discussing sex to Pete Martin in 1956. 

“I sometimes felt I was hooked on sex, the way an alcoholic is on liquor or a junkie on dope.” – Marilyn Monroe to WJ Weatherby in 1960.

“I was remembering Monty Clift. People who aren’t fit to open the door for him sneer at his homosexuality. What do they know about it? Labels–people love putting labels on each other. Then they feel safe. People tried to make me into a lesbian. I laughed. No sex is wrong if there’s love in it But too often people act like it’s gymnasium work, mechanical. They’d be as satisfied with a machine from a chemist as with another human being. I sometimes felt they were trying to make me into a machine.” – Marilyn Monroe to WJ Weatherby in 1960.

“No director ever said, ‘Now Marilyn, be sexy!’ Sex isn’t a thing apart, it’s all of you. Sometimes, after a scene, somebody will say, ‘Great! Very sexy, Marilyn!’ But I have just done something very natural.” – Marilyn Monroe, LOOK magazine in 1957.

THE WATCH

The watch that was sold at auction in 2005 fetched a considerable amount of £120k – so it must be real, surely?

If the watch had truly belonged to JFK, given by Marilyn herself, it would have commanded an even higher price. The dress she wore at the event fetched over a million dollars but this gift is significantly lower in value.

The uncertainty surrounding its authenticity prevented it from reaching astronomical figures. A breakthrough came when astute Rolex researchers discovered the watch’s serial number: 1296419. This serial number indicated that the watch was manufactured around 1966, three years after JFK’s assassination. Thus, it became clear that the sold watch was in no way connected to Marilyn or JFK.

But then, what was Marilyn holding in the iconic photo? While the concept of a secret gift is enticing, the idea of her carrying around a valuable watch unnoticed seems implausible. Besides, such a gift would likely have been presented in a case or at least wrapped. Instead, Marilyn was seen holding an object wrapped in a napkin throughout the evening.

Although the absence of a case and the lack of witnesses do not provide conclusive evidence, there is some information that sheds light on the matter. Marilyn’s financial records from 1962, meticulously documented by Scott Fortner from the Marilyn Monroe Collection, reveal detailed expenses related to the gala, including tickets, dress, and hair styling, but no mention of a watch. These records offer a glimpse into Marilyn’s preparations, confirming that she did not purchase a watch that year.

Moreover, the photo showing Marilyn with the Kennedy brothers, along with another photo, does not provide concrete evidence of her holding a watch. On the contrary, these images serve as evidence that the item she held was certainly not a watch.

A WHITE KNIGHT

During discussions on the Marilyn Remembered Facebook page, Gary Vitacco-Robles, a Marilyn biographer, suggested that Marilyn may have been holding a chess piece.

This notion resonated with me as I recalled Eunice Murray, Marilyn’s housekeeper, mentioning in her 1975 book that Marilyn had taken a chess piece from a set she had purchased in Mexico—a knight, which she would wrap in her handkerchief while performing.

The chess piece was a symbol of courage, as suggested by her friend, Dr. Greenson. Eunice also noted that Marilyn had misplaced the piece somewhere in New York.

In a 1974 paper on transitional objects and transference, Marilyn’s psychoanalyst, Ralph Greenson, indirectly referred to Marilyn’s use of a chess piece for comfort. Although he did not mention Marilyn’s name, the timing of events mentioned in the paper coincided with Marilyn’s life.

Additionally, Marilyn had indeed purchased a gold and silver chess set from Mexico in February of that year, further supporting the possibility of her using a chess piece at the gala.

There are financial records owned by Scott Fortner, Marilyn Monroe Collection, indicating that Marilyn Monroe had placed an order for a replacement chess piece after losing one in New York City. While the listed description refers to it as a silver pawn, visual evidence suggests that it is more likely a knight, given that the head of the piece bears a striking resemblance to a horse, rather than a small pawn.

As for the whereabouts of Marilyn’s chess set, aside from the photo taken after her passing, there are no records indicating its fate. Extensive searches through auction house databases, such as Christie’s and Julien’s, yielded no results. However, it is reasonable to assume that the chess set is likely in the possession of Anna Strasberg, Lee Strasberg’s third wife, possibly with a silver White Knight chess piece missing.

In conclusion, the claims of Marilyn purchasing, concealing, and gifting a gold Rolex watch to JFK, containing a love poem, lack reliable evidence. The watch sold in 2005 was proven to be fake and manufactured years after both Marilyn and JFK had passed away. Marilyn’s financial records from 1962 do not indicate any expenditure on a watch. Instead, the evidence suggests that Marilyn may have been holding a chess piece—a symbol of courage and comfort—during the gala. The exact whereabouts of Marilyn’s chess set remain unknown, but efforts to locate it continue.

As discussions surrounding this topic persist, it is essential to rely on verifiable evidence and refrain from perpetuating unsubstantiated claims. By examining the available facts and considering reliable sources, we can separate reality from speculation and appreciate the true essence of Marilyn Monroe’s legacy.