Menendez Family Condemns ‘Monsters’

In a passionate response to Netflix's latest true crime series, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' the Menendez family has publicly condemned the portrayal of their relatives as 'grotesque' and 'riddled with mistruths.' Tammi Menendez, the wife of Erik Menendez, shared this critical statement on social media, emphasizing the collective outrage felt by the entire family, including their aunt Joan VanderMolen.

Accusations of Misinformation

The family asserts that 'Monsters' is 'a phobic, gross, anachronistic, serial episodic nightmare' that misrepresents the realities of Erik and Lyle Menendez’s lives. They argue that the series neglects crucial recent developments in the case that could exonerate the brothers, who have been imprisoned for over 35 years.

A United Front

'We are virtually the entire extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez,' the statement declares. 'There are 24 of us, and we stand united in our support for Erik and Lyle. We pray for their release and want them home with us.'

Criticism of the Show's Creator

The family feels victimized by what they describe as a 'grotesque shockadrama,' claiming that the show’s creator, Ryan Murphy, relied on outdated and discredited sources for information. Notably, they criticize the involvement of journalist Dominick Dunne, who was known for his controversial pro-prosecution stance during the original trial in the 1990s. In a particularly distasteful dramatization, the show suggests an incestuous relationship between the brothers, which the family vehemently disputes.

Family’s Message

The family’s statement continues, 'The character assassination of Erik and Lyle, under the guise of a storytelling narrative, is repulsive. We know their true stories, having grown up with them. We witnessed the turmoil they faced within their home, and we want the world to know what they endured.'

Ryan Murphy's Response

Ryan Murphy responded to the backlash, expressing surprise that Erik Menendez issued a statement without having watched the series. He defended 'Monsters,' claiming that a significant portion of the show focuses on the abuse that the brothers allegedly suffered, and argues that they are given a voice in the narrative.

Support from Actor Cooper Koch

Actor Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik, recently visited the Menendez brothers in prison. He expressed his understanding of the frustration felt by Erik regarding the dramatization of his life. Koch stated, 'I can’t imagine having such a tragic part of your life portrayed for millions to see in such a dramatized way. I told Erik, 'I understand, I get it, and I stand with you.''

Ongoing Debate

'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' has provoked fierce debate since its release on Netflix, reigniting discussions about the infamous murder case that shocked the nation in 1989. While the series has garnered attention, the Menendez family’s response underscores the deep emotional impact that such portrayals can have on those directly affected by these tragic events.

Conclusion

As conversations around true crime media continue to evolve, the Menendez family's calls for more accurate and sensitive representations highlight a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in sensationalized storytelling. Will Netflix respond more thoughtfully in the era of true crime storytelling moving forward? Only time will tell.