TIMELINE 1952
In late winter 1952, the press discovered that the nude model in these best-selling calendars was none other than 20th Century Fox’s biggest star. The Studio’s initial reaction was to deny everything. No major Hollywood celebrity had ever done such a thing. As legend has it, Marilyn was instrumental in persuading 20th Century that their inclination to deny the whole thing was the wrong way to address the scandal. Marilyn was right. In an exclusive interview with writer Aline Mosby of the United Press International, Marilyn admitted to posing for the photo and explained how difficult her life was at the time. The story “Marilyn Monroe Admits She’s Nude Blonde of Calendar” hit the Wire on March 13, 1952, and was picked up globally. Public forgiveness was swift, and Marilyn was further catapulted into international superstardom.