Who Violated Norma Jeane?

Trigger warning: This post contains references to child molestation that some readers may find distressing. By Laura Saxby // Roots & Beginnings

Trigger Warning: This post contains references to childhood sexual abuse and trauma, which some readers may find distressing. Please take care while reading.

I am not going to pretend that this part of Marilyn’s life is an easy one to write or read about. But I do think it’s important that a few things regarding the incident are cleared up and explored. That being said, if you’re not interested in this section of Norma Jeane’s life, I completely understand. It’s an abhorrent topic but was the foundation of much of her ongoing trauma.

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Marilyn, on various occasions, recounted a highly distressing episode from her childhood that occurred around the age of eight, between 1934 and 1935. She described an incident involving a British man who was lodging in the same home in which she resided. This is the only instance of s*xual assault she discussed publicly.

However, some biographers also mention several others.

What I want to do is explore who may have done such a horrific act and whether the speculations are likely, as well as the effect it had on Norma Jeane and the woman she became later in life.

So, who did something so awful to her when she was so young?