Connecticut Church Offended By Marilyn Monroe Statue

A giant sculpture of Marilyn Monroe in a waving dress was placed in Stamford Park (Connecticut) across the street from the church. The statue depicts the actress in the famous image from the movie "Seven Year Itch1955 of the year where Monroe holds his white dress when he is lifted by air from the subway grill.

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@Journo_Kat

The fact is that the back of the statue, where you can see her underwear, is clearly visible when leaving the Congregational Church in Stamford. Some parishioners this week have stated that this is disrespect for the church.

Most of the parishioners have not yet seen the statue, as it appeared on Monday, June 4, as part of a nationwide art show. But they will definitely see the back of the statue when they come to the Sunday service, said church member Maureen Matthews.

“I think some people will be offended. This is silly. There are problems to worry about. But I’ll be interested to see how people talk about it on Sunday,” Matthews said.

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@Journo_Kat

«Forever Marilyn" is one of 36 statues by artist Seward Johnson that are on display in downtown Stamford this summer. They are part of the city's annual Art in Public Places program. All the statues, except Marilyn, are of normal size and depict people during their daily activities.

A resident of the city of Lorri Tamburro said that she was embarrassed to watch the children climb up the foot of the statue and look under the skirt.

“I think the placement of the statue is offensive,” she said. “It was, in my opinion, very disrespectful.” This is an insult to the beautiful Marilyn."

The response to Marilyn and the other statues was generally positive, said Sandy Goldstein, president of the special services district. Stamford Downtownwhere is the exhibit.

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@Journo_Kat

Goldstein noted that in Europe there are many nude statues in the open air - and near churches - that are accepted by the public.

“It’s art and we don’t think it’s offensive,” he said. “We absolutely do not mean any disrespect for the church.”

Rev. Todd Grant Jonkman, pastor of the First Congregational Church, said it was an unusual artistic choice.

“The problem is, why this particular statue? Marilyn Monroe was an artist who deserves our respect. Why post her image this way. Is this the best we can do?,” he said.

“Maybe the city would let us put some pants on her,” Jonkman added.

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