Netflix's 'Blonde': How much of the controversial Marilyn Monroe film is actually true?

Netflix recently released the film Blonde, inspired by and based on Marilyn Monroe’s life. And the film has been subject to much speculation and controversy since.

According to Screenrant, the film frequently blurs the lines between Monroe’s real life and fiction. And fans and viewers are confused about which parts of the film are fiction and which parts are fact. Here are some points that will clear it up.

Fact vs fiction

Starring Ana De Armas, the film is based on a book by Joyce Carol Oates. It explores Monroe's troubled childhood, sexual relationships, alleged abortions and unfortunate death. It also features factors such as abuse and rape that she may have encountered but are unverified at the moment.

The author is said to have made it clear that even though the characters and plot are inspired by Monroe, her book is a work of fiction. Hence, Blonde cannot be actually considered a biopic.

Childhood abuse

The film depicts Monroe’s childhood as a turbulent and abusive one. While there are no clear facts on the abuse she endured, it is known that she did spend a part of her childhood in boarding homes and foster care. Her mother was also confirmed to be schizophrenic and was hospitalized for that reason.

Monroe’s paternity

The movie circled around Monroe’s painful longing to meet her real father. As per The Independent, Monroe’s father’s identity was confirmed via a DNA test in 2022. And it stated that Charles Stanley Gifford is confirmed to be her father.

Polyamorous/throuple relationship

Blonde explored the angle of Monroe’s polyamorous or threesome relationship with Charlie ‘Cass’ Chaplin and Eddy Robinson Jr. The film even included a raunchy threesome scene in the movie and later portrayed them as a throuple. As per Women’s Health Magazine, there is no hard-hitting evidence suggesting that she was ever in a threesome or involved with either of these men.

Sources used:

- Women's Health Mag: 'How Much Of The Movie 'Blonde' Is True? Marilyn Monroe's Father, Throuples, Abortions, Debunked'

- Screenrant: 'Blonde True Story: How Much Really Happened & What The Movie Changes'

- Independent: 'Blonde: What is fact and what is fiction in Netflix's controversial Marilyn Monroe film?'

Read more:

⋙ Madonna slammed by fans for recreating Marilyn Monroe’s death scene

⋙ Years after her death, a disturbing discovery was made in Marilyn Monroe's mansion

⋙ Marilyn Monroe's 1959 skincare routine revealed

⋙ Marilyn Monroe's Former Lover Claims He Knows Who Killed Her