Erik and Lyle Menendez Reveal How They Watched Ryan Murphy’s Controversial ‘Monsters’ in Prison

The Menéndez Brothers’ Reaction to Monsters

Erik and Lyle Menéndez, the infamous brothers sentenced to life without parole for the murder of their parents in 1990, have shared their thoughts on Ryan Murphy’s controversial Netflix series Monsters. The show, which dramatizes their lives and the events leading up to the tragic crime, has sparked a mix of emotions from the brothers. Lyle, 57, revealed during an episode of the “2 Angry Men” podcast that he and Erik, 54, were able to watch portions of the series while incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. They accessed the show through video chats and clips aired on TV. Despite not having watched the entire series, Lyle stated, “We feel like we’ve seen the entire thing. But we have not yet.”

From what they did see, Lyle praised the performances of Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch, who portray the brothers in the series. He acknowledged that the show brought attention to the childhood trauma they endured, particularly Erik, and highlighted how it shed light on the realities of abuse in affluent households. Lyle emphasized that the series opened people’s eyes to the fact that trauma and abuse can exist even in seemingly perfect environments. He also commended Murphy for shining a light on these issues, stating, “Abuse requires being in the shadows of society. Once you bring a spotlight on it, the bullying and the trauma tends to find healing or find recourse.”

However, not all aspects of the show were well-received by the brothers. Erik expressed deep frustration over certain portrayals, particularly the insinuation that he and Lyle were in a sexual relationship. He called this narrative a “horrible and blatant lie” and accused Murphy of intentionally misrepresenting their lives. Erik’s statement, shared on Lyle’s Facebook page, criticized the show for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misinformation, which he believes undermines the progress made in understanding male sexual abuse and rape trauma.

The Show’s Portrayal and Its Backlash

Season 2 of Monsters, released in September 2024, focuses on the Menéndez brothers’ arrest, trial, and the events leading up to the murder of their parents, José and Kitty. The series draws inspiration from trial footage and interviews, aiming to capture the complexities of the brothers’ lives. Episodes 4 and 5 were particularly praised for their portrayal of Erik and Lyle’s claims of self-defense, highlighting the alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of their parents. These episodes resonated with many viewers, as they offered a deeper exploration of the brothers’ trauma and its impact on their actions.

However, the show also faced backlash for its inaccuracies and sensationalism. Erik was particularly displeased with how he and Lyle were portrayed, feeling that the series did a disservice to their story by relying on outdated stereotypes. He criticized Murphy for ignoring the progress made in understanding male sexual abuse and for instead perpetuating harmful narratives. Erik’s statement reflected his disappointment, saying, “It is sad for me to know that Netflix’s dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward.”

Ryan Murphy’s Defense and the Show’s Impact

Ryan Murphy has defended Monsters, arguing that the series has sparked renewed interest in the Menéndez brothers’ case and broader societal questions about justice and rehabilitation. In an interview with Variety, Murphy noted that the show has led to millions of people discussing the brothers’ fate and questioning whether they deserve a new trial or a chance at parole. He also pointed to the upcoming Netflix documentary about the brothers, suggesting that the series has reopened their case in the “court of public opinion.” Murphy emphasized that the show raises important questions about whether people should be locked away for life without the possibility of rehabilitation, stating, “We’re asking really difficult questions, and it’s giving these brothers another trial in the court of public opinion.”

Despite Erik’s criticisms, Murphy believes that the series has done a service by keeping the brothers’ story alive and sparking conversations about justice and rehabilitation. He argued that the show’s exploration of their case, along with the upcoming documentary, could pave the way for a re-examination of their sentence. Murphy’s defense highlights the dual nature of Monsters—while it has drawn criticism for its inaccuracies, it has also brought attention to a case that many believed was forgotten.

The Ongoing Debate Over Justice and Rehabilitation

The debate over the Menéndez brothers’ sentence continues to divide public opinion. While some argue that their crimes were heinous and that they should remain incarcerated, others believe that their traumatic upbringing and the abuse they suffered should be taken into account. The release of Monsters and the upcoming documentary have reignited this debate, with many calling for a re-examination of their case.

Lyle and Erik’s reactions to the series reflect their complex emotions about how their lives have been portrayed. While they appreciate the attention brought to their trauma, they are deeply hurt by the inaccuracies and sensationalism they believe the show perpetuates. Their story serves as a reminder of the challenges of dramatizing real-life events, particularly when those events involve sensitive and controversial topics like abuse, trauma, and murder.

Ultimately, Monsters has achieved its goal of sparking conversation, even if that conversation is not entirely positive. The series has forced viewers to grapple with difficult questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the long-term effects of trauma. Whether or not the show leads to real change for the Menéndez brothers remains to be seen, but its impact on public discourse is undeniable.