Ryan Murphy defends Netflix’s ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’

A controversial portrayal sparks family outrage

Ryan Murphy, the acclaimed creator behind Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” has responded to the Menendez family’s criticism of the series. The family, particularly Erik’s wife Tammi, labeled the show as a “grotesque shockadrama.” Murphy, however, finds their reaction predictable and lacking in specifics. “I would like specifics about what they think is shocking or not shocking,” Murphy stated. “It’s not like we’re making any of this stuff up. It’s all been presented before.”

The Menendez brothers’ infamous case revisited

The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. The Netflix series dramatizes the brutal killings and the subsequent trials that culminated in their conviction in 1996. Murphy believes that the series is the best thing that has happened to the Menendez brothers in 30 years, as it has reignited public interest in their case.

A new trial in the court of public opinion

Murphy argues that the series has sparked important conversations about the justice system. “There’s a documentary coming out in two weeks about them, also on Netflix,” he shared. “It’s asking people to answer the questions, ‘Should they get a new trial? Should they be let out of jail? What happens in our society? Should people be locked away for life? Is there no chance ever at rehabilitation?’” Murphy believes that these discussions could potentially open up new avenues for the brothers.

The impact of societal biases on the trial

Murphy also contends that if the trial were held today, the brothers might have received a lesser charge of manslaughter and a lighter sentence. “The second trial was a travesty,” he said. “I think it’s insane that all of the evidence that they claim really happened was not allowed to be admissible.” Murphy criticized the behavior of the male jurors, suggesting that homophobia and a refusal to accept the possibility of sexual abuse against men played a role in the trial’s outcome.

The actors’ connection to the real Menendez brothers

Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik Menendez in the series, revealed that he spoke to the real Erik for the first time on the night before the series premiered on Netflix. A week later, Koch met both Erik and Lyle during a visit to their prison with Kim Kardashian, who is actively involved in prison reform. Unlike Koch, Murphy has never reached out to the brothers. “I have no interest in talking to them,” he said. “It’s very good that Cooper has a relationship with them, and I’m very close, obviously, with Kim Kardashian, who has spoken to them.”

Murphy’s stance on advocacy and justice

Murphy clarified that he does not see himself as an advocate for the Menendez brothers, unlike Koch. “I believe in justice, but I don’t believe in being a part of that machine,” Murphy stated. “My job as an artist was to tell a perspective in a particular story. I feel I’ve done that, but I wish them well.”

The broader implications of the series

The series has undoubtedly reignited public interest in the Menendez case, prompting discussions about the justice system, rehabilitation, and societal biases. Murphy’s work has brought these issues to the forefront, encouraging viewers to question and reflect on the complexities of the case.

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