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Marilyn Monroe Endured Years of Body Shaming, Friend Reveals

From Liberty Times · (34m ago) Chinese Mixed tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A longtime friend of Marilyn Monroe has revealed that the iconic star was often body-shamed despite her natural figure.
  • Monroe suffered from endometriosis, causing recurrent abdominal bloating, yet faced relentless media scrutiny over her appearance.
  • Her friend aims to present a more authentic portrayal of Monroe, beyond the "sex symbol" image.

As Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday approaches, a poignant truth about the Hollywood icon's life emerges, challenging the enduring image of effortless glamour. Her close friend, James Haspiel, has bravely stepped forward to reveal the years of quiet suffering Monroe endured, particularly concerning the relentless public scrutiny of her body.

That was the same stomach, she just didn't wear a corset!

โ€” James HaspielRefuting rumors that Monroe was pregnant, explaining her natural body shape.

In an era where Hollywood actresses meticulously sculpted their figures with corsetry, Monroe famously eschewed such restrictive garments. Haspiel recounts how her natural abdominal lines were visible in classic films, leading to widespread speculation about pregnancy. He directly refutes these rumors, emphasizing that it was simply Monroe's natural physique, uncinched by the era's fashion demands. This revelation underscores the unfair pressure placed upon her, a pressure amplified by her private battle with endometriosis, a condition that caused persistent bloating.

She was suffering from endometriosis all along, and the abdominal bloating problem recurred, but she still had to face endless body shaming from the media.

โ€” James HaspielRevealing Monroe's private health struggles and the public's harsh reaction.

Haspiel's testimony paints a picture of a woman far removed from the "sex symbol" persona. He describes Monroe as a deeply human individual, yearning for understanding rather than adoration. Their friendship, which began when Haspiel was a young fan in 1954, offered him a unique glimpse into the vulnerable, authentic woman behind the dazzling facade. His decision to share these untold stories, including never-before-seen photographs, is driven by a desire to honor the real Marilyn Monroeโ€”a woman who lived, strived, and enduredโ€”rather than perpetuate a myth.

Monroe in private was completely different from the 'sexy goddess' everyone remembers.

โ€” James HaspielDescribing Monroe's personality off-camera.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.