Outrage Erupts as Menendez Family Slams Netflix's Controversial Drama "Monsters" as a "Grotesque Shockadrama"

In a startling turn of events, the Menendez family has vocally criticized Netflix's new drama "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," branding it a "grotesque shockadrama." This series, directed by the well-known Ryan Murphy, has quickly risen to the top of Netflix's charts, captivating audiences but igniting controversy.

A collective statement from 24 members of the Menendez family, shared on social media, condemns the drama for its portrayal of their family and its historical events. The family expressed their disappointment at not being contacted by either Murphy or co-creator Ian Brennan during the production. They declared the series to be "a phobic, gross, anachronistic, serial episode nightmare," filled with inaccuracies and neglecting recent revelations that could have shed a more favorable light on the brothers.

Lyle and Erik Menendez made headlines in the mid-90s when they were convicted of murdering their parents, a crime they claimed was rooted in the severe abuse they suffered at the hands of their father. The boys attributed their drastic actions to years of trauma, and despite serving time, they remain a subject of intrigue in popular culture.

The series, part of Murphy's broader "Monster" anthology—initially sparked by the success of the 2022 "Dahmer" series—has been labeled by the Menendez family as nothing short of a “character assassination.” Tammi Menendez, Erik's wife, is among those who have spoken out passionately against the series. Erik himself responded to the drama, calling it a "dishonest portrayal" riddled with "horrible and blatant lies."

Ryan Murphy addressed the family's concerns, noting the complexity of showcasing real-life events on screen: “I think it’s interesting that he’s issued a statement without having seen the show... It’s really hard, if it’s your life, to see your life up onscreen.” His comments reflect a common struggle faced by dramatists when attempting to depict sensitive true stories.

The show has attracted additional scrutiny for delving into themes of sexual abuse within the Menendez household, even suggesting a troubling incestuously charged relationship between the brothers. Journalist Robert Rand, who extensively covered the Menendez trial, firmly dismissed these claims as “a fantasy.”

Despite the backlash, Murphy defended the artistry behind the drama, emphasizing the inclusion of various perspectives and theories from those closely linked to the case. However, the Menendez family's latest statement challenged the credibility of Dominick Dunne, a journalist involved in original coverage, labeling him as “debunked” and accusing him of creating “slander.”

In an unexpected twist, Netflix has also announced a new documentary titled "The Menendez Brothers," featuring "extensive audio interviews" with the brothers and others involved in the trial, slated for release on October 7th. This move signals Netflix's attempt to present a more comprehensive view of the infamous case.

"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," which boasts performances from Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, has racked up over 12 million views in its opening weekend, securing it a solid spot at the top of the charts—though still underperforming compared to "Dahmer." Critics, however, are not impressed. The Guardian's Jesse Hassenger described it as "exhausting" and "repetitive," while Variety's Aramide Tinubu criticized the series for lacking a clear identity.

As the conversation around this drama continues, viewers are left to contemplate the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility that comes with depicting real-life tragedies on screen. What does this mean for the future of true crime dramas? Only time will tell.