“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is the popular second installment of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Netflix series “Monsters.” It has reignited public interest in the case against Lyle and Erik Menendez, brothers who were convicted of murder after killing their parents in 1989. After two lengthy and highly publicized trials, the first of which ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury, the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996.
“Monsters” examines the Menendez brothers’ case from multiple perspectives, including those of prosecutors, family members, and the brothers themselves, which allows the viewer to formulate their own opinions about the case and the events before and after the murder. “Monsters” focuses on the alleged physical and sexual abuse Lyle and Erik suffered under their parents, which the defense argued was their main motivation for committing murder. “Monsters” rapidly gained popularity across social media platforms for its shocking events and binge-worthy content. In the first week after its release, “Monsters” became the most-watched TV show on Netflix by garnering 12.3 million views. The portrayal of Lyle and Erik Menendez in a more sympathetic light has led to mass outcry calling for the brothers’ release from prison. Social media platforms have allowed the Menendez brothers’ case to be reintroduced to the public, and the brothers are now garnering support from millions of viewers across social media. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian even released a statement insisting that Lyle and Erik are changed men and should be released on parole. Followers of the Menendez brothers case and fans of “Monsters” argue that the sexual abuse faced by the brothers should have led to a lighter sentence in 1996 and that the brothers’ sentences should now be reduced.
Many followers of the case active on social media are using the popularity of “Monsters” to bring attention to sexual abuse against men, a serious issue that has been historically overlooked. However, the question of whether the sexual abuse was real–and the reason behind the brothers’ murder of their parents–is still up for debate among many.
In May 2023, new evidence led the Menendez brothers to submit an appeal for a resentencing, but it was only after the success of “Monsters” that Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced that his offices were reviewing the appeal at a press conference on October 3, 2024. The appeal, which asks the court for a resentencing of the case, would make the brothers eligible for parole if a judge accepts recommendations for a reduced sentence. The re-sentencing trial begins later this year on December 11.
The dramatization of the events portrayed in “Monsters” has led multiple family members to speak out about the credibility of the show, arguing that it is not an accurate representation of what really happened. Erik Menendez himself has criticized “Monsters”, calling out the many lies and inaccuracies throughout the show. However, the social impact of “Monsters” is “the best thing that has happened to the Menendez brothers in 30 years,” according to producer Ryan Murphy in an interview with Variety. Despite its inaccurate depictions of the Menendez brothers, “Monsters” has undoubtedly led to a renewed interest in the case and may lead to the brothers’ release from prison, potentially as early as next year.
