In a world where rising stars are idealized, sexualized, and obsessed over, capitalizing on these behaviors and invoking them would seem to be a sure path to fame and fortune. Over the course of the 21st century, sex scandals have left a lasting impact on our memories and aided in the increasing fame of figures like Marilyn Monroe, Pamala and Anderson, and Kim Kardashian. Whether consensual or not, the public release of sex tapes and nude photography involving these women helped make them global sensations.
In 1949, aspiring actress Marilyn Monroe posed nude for pinup photographer Tom Kelley in exchange for $50, which she needed to make a car payment. Soon after the publication of the photos in the “Golden Dreams” pinup calendar, Marilyn Monroe began to experience a rapid rise in popularity and fame. Meanwhile, young Hugh Hefner, looking for content for his startup magazine PlayBoy, went ahead and purchased the rights to Monroe’s nude photos in 1953 for a reported $500. The pictures aided in the rise of the multibillion-dollar PlayBoy business as well as the fame of Marilyn Monroe as an iconic sex symbol.
While one could argue that the PlayBoy pinup was mutually beneficial, and helped bring fame for both Monroe and Hefner, the hyper-sexualized image that was imposed on her during her life and career had long-lasting negative impacts. She was prevented from achieving more serious acting roles and encountered difficulties in breaking away from the role that she had been assigned.
Decades later, actress Pamala Anderson and musician Tommy Lee starred in a leaked video that served as the first viral sex tape following the birth of the Internet age. In 1995, following the couple’s marriage, they were victims of a home robbery. Among the contents of their personal safe stolen by electrician Rand Gauthier was the couple’s sex tape. After taking the tape to a local porn studio, Gauthier and others began copying and selling the stolen footage. It made its way onto the market and the internet. By the time the couple realized the safe was missing, it was too late. In the following years, the fame of the tape and Anderson’s involvement, overshadowed the successes of her career, taking a toll on the way that she would be perceived by the world moving forward. This was only reinforced by the 2022 Hulu drama series “Pam and Tommy” which covered the tumultuous relationship between Anderson and Lee and the drama surrounding the sex tape scandal. All of this reveals the ways in which Pamala Anderson’s life was impacted and altered by the sex scandal, although it undeniably brought her added fame.
Turning to one of the most influential figures today, American media personality Kim Kardashian also experienced a sex scandal that has since brought her and her family immense worldwide fame. In 2007, a sex tape between Kim Kardashian and then-boyfriend singer Ray J. was released to the public. The footage dubbed Kim Kardashian Superstar circulated across the internet and despite lawsuits to stop its release has passed into public knowledge. In 2022, the sex tape made headlines again after being featured in episodes of the hit reality series “The Kardashians,” This prompted Ray J to speak out, making the claim that Kim and her mother, Kris Jenner, had orchestrated the tape’s original release. The success and fame of the Kardashian family were largely impacted by the sex scandal which helped rake in both money and fame for years to come. Whether this was a premeditated move or making the best of a bad situation, it is undeniable that the Kardashians were able to use this event to boost themselves into the spotlight.
These three examples exhibit the clear link between sex scandals and fame, owing to our obsession with sex, and beauty. While one could explore underlying explanations for these behaviors owing to the media, gender, society, social norms, and the commodification of sex, these examples also beg us to consider the effects of these scandals and their worth. This intersection between sex scandals and fame sheds light on a troubling dynamic concerning society and its consumption and rewarding of controversy. These stories expose a recurring pattern of the commodification of the female body. While these events have each propelled these women’s careers, it is important to consider the psychological impact and the lasting implications of hypersexualization. What does this say about a society and culture that thrives on the exploitation of vulnerability for profit and entertainment? What does this say about the price of fame and the fine line between admiration and objectification? And finally, is it worth it?
