Kim Kardashian 'Knew' Wearing Marilyn Monroe's Dress to Met Gala Would Make People Angry, Her Biographer Says: 'She Likes Provoking People'

Kim Kardashian apparently knew exactly what she was getting into when she wore Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress to the 2022 Met Gala.

According to Jonathan Van Meter, the author of the reality star's authorized biography, Kardashian anticipated the backlash surrounding her controversial fashion choice and wasn't afraid to make a statement.

During a recent interview, Van Meter reflected on Kardashian's ability to attract attention and remain unfazed by criticism.

"She likes provoking people," he said.

The author then recalled discussing Kardashian's decision to wear the sparkling gown Monroe famously donned while singing "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

"She knew wearing Marilyn's dress [at the 2022 Met Gala] would make people angry," Van Meter explained.

According to the writer, Kardashian openly acknowledged that she expected the negative reaction.

"Of course I knew it," she reportedly told him.

Kardashian, 46, made headlines when she arrived at the 2022 Met Gala wearing the historic Jean Louis gown, which she borrowed from Ripley's Believe It or Not!.

The dress, embellished with thousands of crystals, was famously worn by Monroe during her performance at Kennedy's 45th birthday celebration.

Although Kardashian only wore the original garment briefly before changing into a replica, her decision sparked debate over whether such a historically significant piece should have been worn again.

Some fashion historians and preservation experts expressed concerns about the potential for damage, while others criticized Kardashian for altering her appearance to fit into the dress.

Ripley's subsequently denied claims that the gown had been damaged during the event.

Van Meter, who spent five years working on Kardashian's biography, Citizen Kim, suggested that the businesswoman's willingness to provoke a reaction is part of what makes her unique.

"She's unflappable. Things don't shake her for long," he told the outlet.

He also argues that Kardashian's career doesn't fit neatly into traditional celebrity categories.

"She's not a pop star or an actress. She functions as a businesswoman," Van Meter explained.

The author added that he considers Kardashian closer to Jane Fonda than Monroe, pointing to her ability to reinvent herself and maintain public attention.

Van Meter also revealed that Kardashian took an active interest in the book, carefully reviewing the manuscript for factual accuracy.

"She did her homework," he said, explaining that the SKIMS founder went through the material page by page.

However, the reality star wasn't entirely comfortable with everything the author included.

Van Meter said Kardashian questioned his portrayal of her late father, Robert Kardashian, and felt some sections about her past relationships and infamous s-- tape were unnecessarily lengthy.

Despite those concerns, she ultimately accepted nearly all of the material.

The writer explained that Kardashian understood the biography would reflect his perspective rather than serve as her personal account.

As for her willingness to embrace controversy, Van Meter suggested the reality star has long understood how to command the public's attention, even when that attention comes with criticism.