The guardians of Marilyn Monroe’s legacy are up in arms over a collector attempting to fetch $500,000 for a vintage 1940s stag film, alleging that it depicts the iconic actress engaged in underage s**ual activities.
Mikel Barsa, a Spanish event organizer, maintains that the grainy, monochromatic six-minute footage captures a youthful Norma Jeane Baker in 1946 or 1947, when she was striving to make a mark in the entertainment industry.
However, experts familiar with Monroe’s history cast doubt on the authenticity of the woman portrayed in the film.
Comparisons with verified images of Monroe suggest significant disparities, raising skepticism surrounding Barsa’s claims.
Despite presenting certain documents to support his narrative, they offer inconclusive evidence at best.
Nancy Carlson, a spokesperson for the brand management and licensing company Authentic Brands Group, warns that any assertions linking the film to Monroe constitute a violation of her intellectual property rights.
Barsa’s insistence on proceeding with the sale could result in legal repercussions, including accusations of deception and infringement of the Monroe estate’s exclusive image rights.
Undeterred by potential legal ramifications, Barsa remains steadfast in his decision to facilitate the sale and secure his commission from undisclosed film owners.
His actions have drawn criticism for allegedly deceiving the public, flouting intellectual property laws, and encroaching upon Monroe’s legacy.
Carlson denounces Barsa’s approach, highlighting the ethical and legal implications of his actions.
Barsa contends that the 8mm film in question was produced concurrently with a 16mm version, purportedly sold for a substantial sum in 1997.
However, he declines to reveal the identities of previous buyers and sellers, further clouding the provenance of the films.
Despite furnishing select corroborative materials, such as a 1996 letter and a redacted FBI document, Barsa’s claims continue to be met with skepticism and scrutiny.
Critics, including biographers Michelle Morgan and Lois Banner, dismiss the notion that financial hardships would have compelled Monroe to participate in such explicit endeavors.
They emphasize Monroe’s unwavering dedication to her craft and principled stance against compromising her artistic integrity for monetary gain.
Scott Fortner, a devoted Monroe enthusiast, also points out physical discrepancies between the woman in the film and the renowned actress, refuting any likeness.
As the controversy surrounding the alleged Monroe s** tape persists, the broader implications of misattributing such material to a cultural icon like Monroe underscore the importance of safeguarding her legacy.
The ongoing debate serves as a cautionary tale against exploiting historical figures for personal gain and underscores the complexities of preserving their memory with dignity and respect.
