Marilyn Monroe is the celebrity widely cited in historical accounts as having undergone a procedure to remove her ribs for aesthetic reasons.
The Enduring Rumor of Marilyn Monroe's Rib Removal
The iconic Hollywood legend, Marilyn Monroe, is often mentioned as one of the first celebrities who allegedly opted to have her lower ribs removed. This procedure was purportedly undertaken to achieve a better figure that aligned with the evolving beauty standards and public expectations during her rise to stardom.
At the onset of her career, Monroe was described as being "a little on the heavier side" and, like many women of her era, often wore a tight corset to sculpt her silhouette. However, as her fame and popularity surged, so did the scrutiny and expectations regarding her physique. The rumored decision to remove her ribs was reportedly made to attain a more slender waistline without the constant need for corsetry, further solidifying her status as a sex symbol with an hourglass figure.
While the exact medical confirmation of this procedure remains a subject of historical debate, the widespread nature of the rumor highlights the immense pressure celebrities faced—and continue to face—to conform to idealized body standards.
