Family of Erik and Lyle Menendez Criticizes Netflix’s “Monsters” Series

A family’s outcry against Netflix’s portrayal

Tammi Menendez, wife of Erik Menendez, has recently voiced strong disapproval of Netflix’s series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”. Representing the extended family, Tammi shared a statement condemning the series for its inaccuracies and sensationalism. The family describes the show as a “phobic, gross, anachronistic, serial episodic nightmare” filled with falsehoods and neglecting recent exculpatory evidence.

United in support

The statement, signed by 24 members of the Menendez family, emphasizes their unwavering support for Erik and Lyle. “We are virtually the entire extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez,” it reads. “We are 24 strong and today we want the world to know we support Erik and Lyle. We individually and collectively pray for their release after being imprisoned for 35 years. We know them, love them, and want them home with us.”

Criticism of the series’ research and portrayal

The family accuses the series’ creator, Ryan Murphy, of relying on discredited sources, particularly Dominick Dunne, a reporter who covered the Menendez trial in the 1990s. Dunne, portrayed by Nathan Lane in the series, is known for his controversial theories, including the allegation of an incestuous relationship between the brothers. The series includes a scene depicting the brothers showering together, which the family finds particularly offensive.

“The character assassination of Erik and Lyle, who are our nephews and cousins, under the guise of a ‘storytelling narrative’ is repulsive,” the statement asserts. “We know these men. We grew up with them since they were boys. We love them and to this very day we are close to them. We also know what went on in their home and the unimaginably turbulent lives they have endured. Several of us were eyewitnesses to many atrocities one should never have to bear witness to.”

Addressing the abuse narrative

The family also criticizes the series for its handling of the abuse allegations. “It is sad that Ryan Murphy, Netflix, and all others involved in this series, do not have an understanding of the impact of years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse,” the statement concludes. “Perhaps, after all, ‘Monsters’ is all about Ryan Murphy.”

Erik Menendez’s response and Murphy’s defense

Following the release of “Monsters,” Erik Menendez issued a statement condemning the show and calling Murphy’s portrayal “naive and inaccurate.” Murphy responded by highlighting that a significant portion of the series focuses on the abuse the brothers claim to have suffered. “The thing that I find interesting that he doesn’t mention in his quote, is if you watch the show, I would say 60 to 65 percent of our show in the scripts and in the film form center around the abuse and what they claim happened to them,” Murphy said. “And we do it very carefully and we give them their day in court and they talk openly about it.”

Actor’s perspective

Cooper Koch, who plays Erik Menendez in the series, visited the brothers in prison after Erik criticized the show. In an interview, Koch expressed empathy for Erik’s situation. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to have the worst part of your life, such a traumatic and tragic thing, be televised for millions of people to see in a dramatized Hollywood TV way,” Koch said. “I just said, ‘I understand, I get it, and I stand with you.'”

Streaming now

“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is currently available for streaming on Netflix. For more information, you can visit here.

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