Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic figures in American pop culture, continues to captivate audiences even decades after her untimely death. However, the question of who owns Marilyn Monroe’s intellectual property and estate is a complex one, with various parties holding different rights.
In 1962, Marilyn Monroe passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would endure for generations. The rights to her intellectual property and estate were divided among her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and her New York psychiatrist, Dr. Marianne Kris. Strasberg received a significant portion, 75 percent, while Kris received the remaining 25 percent.
Fast forward to the present day, and the ownership of Marilyn Monroe’s rights has taken an interesting turn. One unexpected player in this story is former NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, known widely as Shaq. Through his smart business investments, Shaq managed to acquire the rights to royalties from stars like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
It is worth noting that Shaq’s ownership of Marilyn Monroe’s rights does not encompass her entire estate or intellectual property. Rather, he holds the rights to the royalties generated by Monroe’s likeness. This means that any commercial usage of her image, such as in advertisements or merchandise, would require licensing agreements with Shaq.
In addition to Shaq, there are other entities involved in the ownership of Marilyn Monroe’s rights. ABG (Authentic Brands Group), a company that owns over 50 consumer brands, also holds a significant stake. ABG owns the rights to Marilyn Monroe’s image and likeness, as well as those of other celebrities such as Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley.
Interestingly, ABG’s ownership of Marilyn Monroe’s rights is not solely focused on commercial exploitation. The company has also entrusted the likeness rights or estates of these celebrities to individuals who can carry on their legacies. For example, the current owner of the Marilyn Monroe house is Jasmine Chiswell, an internet-famous Marilyn Monroe impersonator with a massive following on TikTok.
It is important to note that while various parties hold different rights to Marilyn Monroe’s intellectual property and estate, her influence and impact on popular culture remain timeless. Her image and likeness continue to be celebrated and recognized worldwide.
The question of who owns Marilyn Monroe is a multi-faceted one. While Shaq owns the rights to royalties generated by her likeness, ABG holds the rights to Marilyn Monroe’s image and likeness, along with other celebrities. The legacy of Marilyn Monroe lives on, captivating audiences and inspiring generations to come.
Who Owns All The Rights To Marilyn Monroe?
The rights to Marilyn Monroe are owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG). ABG is a company that holds the likeness rights or estates of several celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe. ABG is a brand development and entertainment company that owns more than 50 consumer brands. In addition to Marilyn Monroe, ABG also owns the likeness rights or estates of other well-known figures such as Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley. Their ownership of these rights allows ABG to control and manage the commercial use of these celebrities’ images and likenesses.
Who Owns Marilyn Monroe’s Estate Now?
According to a 2021 Inman article, the current owners of Marilyn Monroe’s estate are Jasmine Chiswell and her husband Maverick McNeilly. Jasmine Chiswell is well-known on the internet as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and has gained immense popularity on TikTok with over 16.1 million followers.
Does Shaq Own Marilyn Monroe And Elvis Presley?
Shaq does not own Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. However, he did acquire the rights to the royalties from their estates. This means that he has the right to collect a portion of the income generated from the use of their images, music, and other intellectual property. Shaq made this purchase for approximately $135,000,000, which gives him the opportunity to earn revenue from the ongoing popularity and commercial exploitation of these iconic figures.
It’s important to note that owning the rights to royalties is different from owning the actual individuals themselves. Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley are historical figures, and their ownership cannot be transferred. Instead, their estates manage their intellectual property and authorize the use of their images, music, and other assets for commercial purposes.
Shaq’s investment in acquiring the rights to these royalties is a smart business move. By securing a stake in the ongoing popularity and commercial value of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, he has the potential to earn significant profits over time. This demonstrates his astute understanding of the entertainment industry and his ability to make strategic investment decisions.
Who Has Control Of Marilyn Monroe’s Estate?
Marilyn Monroe’s estate is primarily controlled by two individuals. The majority, that is 75 percent, of her intellectual property and estate was left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg. The remaining 25 percent was given to her New York psychiatrist, Dr. Marianne Kris. Here is a breakdown of the individuals who have control of Marilyn Monroe’s estate:
1. Lee Strasberg: Monroe’s acting coach, Lee Strasberg, was bequeathed the majority share of her estate, which includes her intellectual property rights. This means that he has the authority to manage and make decisions regarding the commercial use of Monroe’s image, likeness, and any other assets related to her career.
2. Dr. Marianne Kris: Monroe’s New York psychiatrist, Dr. Marianne Kris, received 25 percent of her estate. While the specifics of her control over the estate may not be explicitly mentioned, it can be assumed that she has a say in certain aspects of managing and preserving Monroe’s legacy, possibly including decisions related to licensing, publishing, or other endeavors related to Monroe’s work.
It is important to note that both Strasberg and Dr. Kris were trusted individuals in Monroe’s life, and their control over her estate was legally established through her will.
Conclusion
The ownership of Marilyn Monroe’s intellectual property and estate is a complex matter. While the majority of her rights were left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and a portion to her psychiatrist, Dr. Marianne Kris, the rights to royalties and likeness of Marilyn Monroe are currently owned by ABG, a company that holds the rights to numerous consumer brands and celebrity estates. However, it is important to note that in a recent interview, former NBA champion Shaq claimed ownership of Marilyn Monroe, along with Elvis Presley, through his smart business investment. This highlights the intricate nature of ownership and the various parties involved in the rights to iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe.
