Some like it hot â but not Connecticut churchgoers.
A 26-foot tall statue Marilyn Monroe statue recently installed in a Stamford, Conn. park is scandalizing locals â because the movie starletâs derriere is pointed straight at a neighboring house of worship.
Artist Seward Johnsonâs âForever Marilynâ captures the moment from âThe Seven Year Itchâ where the actress holds down her white dress as air blows up from a subway grate.
In the film, only co-star Tom Ewell sees whatâs under Monroeâs skirt, but in Johnsonâs colossal interpretation her underwear-clad caboose is on full display to all viewers â especially to those visiting the nearby First Congregational Church.
âItâs disrespectful to the church,â churchgoer Pam Riley told The Stamford Advocate.
âHer skirt is up in the air and everyoneâs under there looking up her skirt.â
Passerby Lorri Tamburro agreed, saying, âI looked at it and I think because of what I saw with all these little kids looking up, the height is ruining it. Itâs ruining beautiful Marilyn.â
The churchâs head holy man sees the funny side â but doesnât love the statue.
âThe issue is, why that statue? Marilyn Monroe was an artist deserving our respect. Why appropriate her image in this way? Is this the best we can do?â Rev. Dr. Todd Grant Yonkman asked. âMaybe the city would let us give her some pants?â
But the local business group sponsoring the exhibition defended the piece, arguing that there are plenty of naked statues near churches in Europe.
âIt is art and we donât believe it is offensive,â said Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District. âWe absolutely mean no disrespect to the church.â