Kim Kardashian reacts to reports she damaged iconic Marilyn Monroe dress

Kim Kardashian has finally addressed an accusation shrouded in mystery and hit back at critics of her recent weight loss. WATCH VIDEO

Kim Kardashian has for the first time addressed reports she damaged Marilyn Monroe’s famous Happy Birthday dress.

The 41-year-old reality star appeared on America’s Today show to address claims of missing crystals and damaged threads after she wore the precious piece at the MET Gala this year.

“No. And I mean Ripley’s … we worked together so well. There was handlers and gloves that put it on me …” Kardashian, sporting a new platinum blonde bob hairstyle, said on Tuesday US time.

The show’s host Savannah Guthrie added: “Ripley’s has said the dress wasn’t damaged. By the way you had to lose 16 pounds to fit into the dress.”

Kim Kardashian sporting a platinum blonde bob on the US Today show.

The dress is owned by Ripley’s, where it is displayed at its museum in Florida, purchased from its previous owner for $US4.8 million at a Julien’s auction in 2016.

A quality report at the time stated that the dress had a “number of the seams are pulled and worn. This is not surprising given how delicate the material is”.

The dress, which was custom-made by Bob Mackie, was worn by Monroe in 1962, when she sang “Happy Birthday” to then-President John F Kennedy.

The reality star revealed she had lost more weight by cutting carbs and sugar.

Scott Fortner, of the Marilyn Monroe Collection, accused Kardashian of damaging the garment, a claim also backed by influential Instagram account, Diet Prada.

The form-fitting evening gown is adorned with 2500 rhinestones, some of which have been lost, according to Fortner.

Mackie said, at the time, that allowing Kardashian to wear the dress was a “big mistake”.

“It was designed for her (Marilyn),” Mackie said.

“Nobody else should be seen in that dress.”

Marilyn Monroe’s Happy Birthday dress worn by Kim Kardashian appears to be missing some gems. Picture: Instagram

Pictures showing damage to the dress after it was worn by Kim Kardashian. Picture: Instagram

Kardashian lost about 7.2kg in three weeks to fit into the iconic dress, drawing criticism for promoting drastic weight loss.

During her appearance on the show the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star revealed she has since lost more weight, bringing her total weight loss to about 9.5kg.

And she showed it off in a skin-tight white crop top with Balenciaga leggings.

“Yeah you know I looked at it like a role. I really wanted to wear this dress. It was really important to me. It actually taught me a lot about my lifestyle and my health and since then, afterwards, I continued to eat really healthy,” she said.

Kim Kardashian has been accused of damaging Marilyn Monroe’s dress – a claim its owner, Ripley’s, has denied. Picture: Getty Images

The celebrity mother of four continued: “ I am down 21 pounds now. I’m not trying to lose any more weight but I have more energy than ever. I cut out so much sugar. A lot of junk food I was eating. I didn’t even realise it. A lot of fried foods. And I completely changed my lifestyle."

KIM SAYS KANYE THE ‘BEST DAD’

Kim Kardashian celebrated Father’s Day by praising her ex Kanye West via social media.

“Thank you for being the best dad to our babies and loving them the way you do! Happy Father’s Day Ye,” the reality star, 41, wrote in a post shared to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, according to the New York Post’s Page Six.

The message was accompanied by a pic of the rapper, 45, smiling and posing with their kids: North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3.

Kim Kardashian has paid tribute to her ex Kanye West on America’s Father's Day. Picture: Instagram

The Skims founder also honoured her late father, Robert Kardashian, and gave a shout-out to “best step dad” Caitlyn Jenner for raising her and her famous siblings with mom Kris Jenner.

“The kids asked me how I would celebrate with you today if you’re all the way up in heaven,” Kim captioned one of her pics with Robert, who died in 2003 at the age of 59.

“They have [sic] me the cutest suggestions … I miss you and love with all my soul.”

As Page Six previously reported, Kim filed for divorce from West in February 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage. The two were declared legally single in March.

Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian on vacation recently. Picture: Instagram

Kim has since moved on with Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson. She and the comedian started dating after she hosted the sketch comedy show in October 2021. The two became Instagram-official in March and have been packing on the PDA ever since.

At the beginning of their relationship, West couldn’t seem to hide his disapproval of Kim’s new beau, often taking to social media to make digs at Davidson (whom he nicknamed “Skete”) in since-deleted posts.

Kanye West was celebrated by Kim Kardashian on Father's Day in the US. Picture: Instagram

The rapper even criticised the “King of Staten Island” star, 28, in the lyrics and music videos for his song “Eazy” with The Game.

“Kim is literally the best mother I’ve ever met. What she does for those kids is amazing and you are so f – king lucky that she’s your kids mom,” he continued.

“I’ve decided im not gonna let you treat us this way anymore and I’m done being quiet. Grow the f**k up.”

Originally published as Kim Kardashian reacts to reports she damaged iconic Marilyn Monroe dress