Survey says public supports “Forever Marilyn”

A group of Palm Springs hotel owners is hitting back against those who oppose “Forever Marilyn,” a 26-foot sculpture of Marilyn Monroe the organization recently brought back to the city’s downtown after a seven-year absence.

The non-profit P.S. Resorts commissioned a study of Coachella Valley residents that found 70 percent support having the statute displayed downtown, 24 percent oppose its display and six percent have no opinion.

Eighty-three percent said they disagree with the statement “The statue is offensive and should not be displayed in Palm Springs.”

The hoteliers also took exception to news reports they say exaggerated the number of people who held a protest at the statue shortly after it was installed last month on Museum Way near the Palm Springs Art Museum.

“In reviewing multiple discussions on social media, such as the Palm Springs Neighborhood Group on Facebook and NextDoor, most of the comments convey excitement about ‘Forever Marilyn’s’ return,” said Aftab Dada, chairman of P.S. Resorts, in the statement. “The headlines we’ve been seeing don’t truly reflect the collective sentiments of the visitors and residents of our community. Most people are thrilled that she has come back to Palm Springs.”

“Forever Marilyn” was first in downtown Palm Springs from 2012 to 2014. It’s based on the scene from the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch,” in which Monroe’s skirt was lifted by a gust of air as she stood on top of a Manhattan subway grate.

Some have charged that that image is offensive, possibly misogynistic, and should not be displayed so prominently in public. The issue has received international media coverage, including reports by CNN and in the New York Times.

The sculpture has been displayed worldwide, including Chicago, New Jersey, Connecticut and Australia.