Menendez Family Slams Netflix’s ‘Monsters’ as ‘Grotesque’ and ‘Riddled With Mistruths’: ‘The Character Assassination of Erik and Lyke Is Repulsive’

As a sympathizer of the Menendez family, I find myself utterly appalled by the portrayal of Erik and Lyle Menendez in Ryan Murphy’s latest Netflix series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” It is disheartening to witness such an insensitive and misguided attempt at storytelling, especially when it comes at the expense of those who have endured years of unimaginable trauma.


Erik Menendez’s spouse Tammi has publicly criticized Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on behalf of their aunt Joan VanderMolen and the entire extended family. In her post, Tammi expressed that the series is a “fear-mongering, distasteful, outdated, multi-episode horror that is filled with inaccuracies and blatant lies, and overlooks the most recent evidence exonerating them.

The statement declares that our family, consisting of 24 members including the immediate and extended family of Erik and Lyle Menéndez, wishes to express our support for both brothers today. Each one of us, as well as our group as a whole, are praying fervently for their release after spending 35 years behind bars. We personally know them, cherish them, and yearn for their return to live among us once more.

The family’s declaration asserts that relatives of the Menendez brothers have suffered due to this sensational tragedy being distorted. Moreover, they allege that Murphy, who reportedly delved into the case for years, ultimately relied on discredited sources like Dominick Dunne, a pro-prosecution journalist, to support his defamatory remarks against them, and never reached out to them directly.

Dominick Dunne, known for his work as a journalist at Vanity Fair, reported on the Menendez trial during the 1990s. His portrayal in the film “Monsters” is handled by Nathan Lane. This movie recounts the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez committed by their sons, Lyle and Erik, in 1989, followed by the trials that culminated in their conviction in 1996. One contentious theory proposed by Dunne is depicted in “Monsters,” suggesting that the brothers, Erik and Lyle, may have had an incestuous relationship. A scene within the series shows the brothers taking a shower together.

As a film enthusiast, I strongly condemn the portrayal of my beloved nephews and cousins, Erik and Lyle, in what’s being marketed as a ‘storytelling narrative’. These are not just characters on screen; they are family members I’ve known since they were boys. We share a bond that has withstood the test of time, and even today, we remain close.

Unfortunately, it seems that Ryan Murphy, Netflix, and everyone else associated with this series may not fully grasp the devastating effects of long-term physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. One might even argue that ‘Monsters’ is a reflection of Ryan Murphy himself.

Not long after “Monsters” premiered on Netflix, Tammi shared Erik Menendez’s commentary criticizing the series, claiming that Murphy’s portrayal of the brothers was both “naive” and “inaccurate.” In response, Murphy told Entertainment Tonight that it was intriguing that he had issued a statement without having watched the show.

Murphy noted an aspect he finds intriguing that isn’t explicitly stated in his quote: a significant portion of our show, approximately 60-65%, revolves around the portrayal of abuse and alleged incidents. This is handled with great care, ensuring they have their chance to speak out openly about it.

As a movie buff, I recently found myself discussing a fascinating turn of events: I, along with many others who follow the Menendez brothers’ story, learned that Cooper Koch – the actor portraying Erik in the Netflix series – paid a visit to these infamous individuals after the real-life Erik criticized our beloved show. In an exclusive interview with EbMaster, Koch shared his encounter with Eric, explaining that he empathically acknowledged “it seems reasonable for you to feel this way.

Koch expressed that he couldn’t fathom the experience of having one’s most difficult moments, which are often traumatic and heartbreaking, being portrayed in a dramatic and sensationalized manner on television by Hollywood. He simply conveyed, “I understand, I get it, and I stand with you.

“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is now streaming on Netflix.

Joan VanderMolen (Erik’s Aunt) and the Menendez Family have issued their official reaction to the Netflix Series titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” as well as its creator, Ryan Murphy. #Menendez #NetflixMonsters #RyanMurphy

— Tammi Menendez (@TammiMenendez1) September 26, 2024

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2024-09-26 19:46