Erik Menendez Blasts Netflix Series ‘Monsters’: ‘Ryan Murphy Cannot Be This Naive and Inaccurate’

As a follower who has spent years immersed in the intricate and tragic tale of the Menendez brothers, I find myself deeply troubled by Ryan Murphy’s portrayal of their story in the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but express my thoughts on the portrayal of the real-life Menendez brothers, particularly Erik, in Ryan Murphy’s latest Netflix production, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

Through a post shared on his wife Tammi Menendez’s social media account (X), Robert Menendez, who was previously convicted for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the killing of his parents with his brother Lyle, expressed disapproval over the distorted character depictions of them both in the drama series. The statement also alleged that Ryan Murphy, the showrunner, harbored ill intentions due to the controversial narrative presented in the show.

In my opinion, it seems unlikely that Ryan Murphy could be unaware or inaccurate to such an extent about our experiences without some ill-intent behind his work. This is how I feel, based on what I’ve written in my statement.

Menendez, who is now incarcerated at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California, criticizes the show for recycling dishonest portrayals of his and his brother Lyle’s lives. He accuses the series of distorting the truth about male trauma and sexual abuse. He expresses sadness over what he sees as a regression in acknowledging childhood trauma, denouncing the series for disseminating harmful falsehoods and slander. In conclusion, he thanks his supporters and urges for truth to be upheld.

In this graphic miniseries, Javier Bardem takes on the role of Jose Menendez, the father, while Chloë Sevigny portrays their mother, Kitty Menendez. The actors Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch are cast as the sons who committed murder, Lyle and Erik Menendez.

Below is the full statement from Menendez:

I thought we had progressed beyond the false depictions and exaggerated characterizations of Lyle on the show, which were clearly based on untruths. I can hardly imagine these distortions were accidental. With a heavy heart, I must say that I believe Ryan Murphy intentionally misrepresented the facts of our lives in this manner.

I find it disheartening to acknowledge that Netflix’s distorted representation of the events surrounding our crime has regressed the raw truths by several steps, back to a period when the prosecution constructed a narrative based on an outdated belief system that males could not be sexually abused and did not experience rape trauma similarly to women. These despicable misconceptions have been challenged and unmasked by numerous courageous victims over the past two decades who have overcome their personal embarrassment to speak up bravely. Consequently, Murphy manipulates his damaging narrative through repugnant and appalling characterizations of Lyle and me, as well as disheartening slander.

“Is truth alone not sufficient? Let it be so, standing as the undeniable truth. It’s disheartening to realize that one person with influence can potentially erase years of progress in revealing childhood traumas. Violence should never be an option, never a remedy, and is always regrettable. Therefore, I pray that we never forget the devastating impact of violence towards a child, as it creates countless hidden crime scenes that lurk beneath the surface of glitz and glamour, often unveiled only when tragedy touches everyone involved. To those who have extended their support to me, my gratitude knows no bounds.”

2024-09-21 06:47

Erik Menendez Blasts Netflix Series ‘Monsters’: ‘Ryan Murphy Cannot Be This Naive and Inaccurate’

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