It was rumored that Marilyn Monroe had poor personal hygiene habits. While she was a renowned film star admired for her beauty, there have been accounts of her unhygienic habits. 

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Sources suggest that Monroe tended to avoid bathing for days, which led to body odor problems. Additionally, Monroe's former housekeeper, Lena Pepitone, mentioned in her memoirs that Monroe often wore the same dirty clothes for days and left piles of dirty dishes in her room.

However, it is important to note that there are arguments against these claims. Some of Monroe's close friends and confidantes, such as Jane Russell, who co-starred with her in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," described her as "very clean." 

It is crucial to approach such claims with a critical spirit, as Monroe, like many celebrities, was the subject of numerous rumors throughout her life. The nature of fame, especially during Hollywood's golden age, often led to stars being exalted and torn down by the media.

Nevertheless, if these rumors were ever true, the cause might have been the many difficulties Marilyn faced in her life. 

Possible Causes of Her Poor Hygiene

One possibility is that Monroe suffered from mental or emotional disorders that affected her ability or motivation to maintain good personal hygiene. It is known that she struggled with depression and anxiety, and she may also have had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These conditions can make personal care, including showering and brushing teeth, challenging.

Another possibility is that Monroe's substance abuse problems contributed to her poor hygiene. She was a heavy smoker and drinker and also abused prescription medications. These substances can negatively impact both physical and mental health.

It is also plausible that the pressures of being a famous movie star made it difficult for her to take care of herself. One fact that supports this is that in 1961, Marilyn Monroe was hospitalized for several weeks at the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic in New York. Her admission was due to severe physical and mental exhaustion, caused by the intense expectations placed on her.

She was constantly under public scrutiny and was expected to look perfect at all times. This may have led her to neglect her personal hygiene in favor of more pressing matters.

However, there is no way to know for sure what caused it, and it may have been due to a combination of factors. It is important to remember that Monroe was a complex celebrity, one of the most popular stars in Hollywood at the time, and she paid a very high price for it.

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