The Menendez Brothers: A Look Back at the Controversy Surrounding Monsters
The infamous case of brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, who brutally murdered their parents in their Beverley Hills family home in the 90s, captured the attention of people worldwide. Convicted on two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder, the Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996. Now, nearly 30 years later, their story has once again resurfaced thanks to Netflix’s latest true crime series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the nine-episode drama delves into the compelling court case that shocked the nation.
Controversy Surrounding Netflix’s Monsters Series
While Monsters has claimed the number one spot on the streaming platform since its release on September 19th, it has also sparked controversy among viewers and critics alike. Many have expressed concerns about the portrayal of the Menendez brothers in the show, particularly regarding their claims of being victims of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents. The series chronicles the story from both Lyle and Erik’s perspectives, as well as that of their deceased parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
Some viewers took to social media to voice their disapproval of the show’s depiction of the brothers. One Twitter user stated, “Sensitive about the Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix because the Menendez brother’s story is one of deep trauma and injustice. I don’t feel anyone should be telling their stories unless they’re factual and portraying them as the victims they really are.”
Additionally, the suggestion of an incestuous relationship between the brothers in the series has been met with criticism. Robert Rand, author of The Menendez Murders: The Shocking Untold Story of the Menendez Family and the Killings that Stunned the Nation, debunked this claim, stating, “I don’t believe that Erik and Lyle Menendez were ever lovers. I think that’s a fantasy that was in the mind of Dominick Dunne.”
Critics’ Response to Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Critics have also weighed in on the series, with some expressing displeasure at its execution. Jesse Hassenger of The Guardian described the show as “an exhausting, repetitive alternation between two overplayed notes: the brothers as victims twisted and broken by years of abuse, and the brothers as delusional, sloppy, possibly sociopathic connivers.” Katie Rosseinsky of The Independent pointed out moments of unintentional campiness in the series, noting that the tone oscillates between silly and serious.
Aramide Tinubu of Variety criticized the show as a “repetitive slog” after the fifth episode, stating that it “falls into the deep end” due to its unwieldy tone. Tinubu concluded that despite the gripping subject matter and outstanding performances, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story struggles to find its identity and devolves into a rehash of traumatic events.
Response from the Menendez Brothers
Erik Menendez, currently serving a life sentence alongside his brother Lyle in California, issued a statement through his wife Tammi Menendez in response to the Netflix series. Erik expressed disappointment in the show’s portrayal of his brother, stating, “I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show.” He also criticized the series for perpetuating falsehoods about their lives and the abuse they endured.
Addressing the sexual abuse they claimed to have experienced, Erik lamented the show’s misrepresentation of their trauma and its impact on the progress made in shedding light on childhood abuse. He emphasized the importance of portraying the truth accurately and called out the show’s creators for their portrayal of him and his brother. Erik questioned the intentions behind the show’s narrative and expressed his disappointment in the misrepresentation of their story.
Ryan Murphy’s Response to Criticism
In response to Erik Menendez’s comments, Ryan Murphy defended the series, stating that they had carefully portrayed the abuse the brothers claimed to have suffered. He highlighted the show’s dedication to presenting multiple perspectives, including those of the parents, based on extensive research. Murphy emphasized the importance of giving all parties a fair hearing in the drama and expressed pride in the work and performances featured in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
As the controversy surrounding the series continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the portrayal of real-life events in the media and the ethical considerations involved in retelling sensitive stories. Despite differing opinions on the show’s depiction of the Menendez brothers, one thing is certain: their story will continue to captivate audiences and spark debate for years to come.
