Netflix’s Monsters Season 2 – What Has Ryan Murphy Said About The Menendez Brothers?

Netflix's Monsters Season 2 - What Has Ryan Murphy Said About The Menendez Brothers?

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix’s Monsters renewed public interest in the Menendez brothers’ case.
  • The show’s revival may influence retrial requests by highlighting abuse allegations.
  • Ryan Murphy defends his creative portrayal, citing public attention and the potential impact on the case.

As a seasoned observer of the human psyche and the intricacies of justice systems, I find myself deeply fascinated by the renewed interest in the case of the Menendez brothers. The complexities of their story are as captivating as they are disheartening, and it’s a testament to the power of storytelling that Ryan Murphy has chosen to delve into this dark chapter of American history.


The Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has been a massive success since its release on the platform a month ago. This show features Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez portraying the infamous brothers who committed the murders of their parents in Beverly Hills, California in 1989. The nine-episode series was masterminded by Ryan Murphy, who has recently responded to criticisms from the two killers regarding his representation of them in the show.

As an avid fan, I’m eagerly awaiting the upcoming documentary on Netflix titled “The Menendez Brothers,” set to air on October 7, 2024. This intriguing piece could provide fresh insights into the complexities of their case and potentially redefine public opinion, which might lead to a retrial for Erik and Lyle Menendez. The success of “Monsters” season 2, currently holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s global TV charts for two weeks in a row with 19.5 million views, and being a top 10 show in 89 countries, demonstrates that such publicity can only work in their favor. With an impressive total of 31.8 million views since its release, it seems that any form of exposure is beneficial.

What Did Ryan Murphy Say In Response To The Backlash From The Menendez Brothers?

Netflix's Monsters Season 2 - What Has Ryan Murphy Said About The Menendez Brothers?

On X, I, Erik Menendez’s spouse, Tammi, spoke up with a statement defending my husband’s representation in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series. In essence, I took issue with how Erik and his brother, Lyle, were depicted in the show, stating that it failed to accurately reflect who they truly are.

In simpler terms, it seems like you’re saying that you thought we had progressed past the false portrayals and exaggerated characterizations of Lyle in the show, which appeared to be based on deliberate lies and distortions of truth. It’s hard for me to imagine Ryan Murphy not intending this, given the obvious inaccuracies it presents about our lives. To put it plainly, I find it difficult to believe that such misrepresentation could happen without some level of intentional malice.

In response to assertions made by the Menendez family, Ryan Murphy countered during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter.

It’s about time the Menendez brothers received some flowers, given they haven’t garnered such widespread attention in three decades. Not just America, but the entire world is intrigued by their story now. There seems to be a surge of curiosity surrounding their lives and the case itself. I can confirm that numerous individuals have expressed a desire to aid them, inspired by my show and our work.

Murphy’s observation is spot on. The case has garnered renewed attention due to the drama series, and while the accuracy of every detail may be debatable, it hasn’t seemed to harm its impact. Particularly, episode 5 intensely emphasizes their plea for a retrial, portraying the alleged sexual abuse. It remains uncertain if Lyle and Erik Menendez have watched the entire series, but regardless, it doesn’t seem to have diminished their potential for a retrial. Murphy further countered the Menendez statement in an interview with THR by making additional points.

What intrigues me greatly is how they’re manipulating the situation by pretending to be victims, using phrases like “woe is me,” which I strongly condemn as it appears insincere and distasteful.

The Menendez Brothers Have A Great Chance Of Being Released From Prison After The Renewed Interest In Their Case

Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story
StarringCooper Koch, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Javier Bardem, Chloe Sevigny and Ari Graynor
Written byRyan Murphy
Created byRyan Murphy and Ian Brennan

Episode Titles

  • Blame It On The Rain
  • Spree
  • Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
  • Kill Or Be Killed
  • The Hurt Man
  • Don’t Dream It’s Over
  • Showtime
  • Seismic Shifts
  • Hang Men
Netflix's Monsters Season 2 - What Has Ryan Murphy Said About The Menendez Brothers?

2023 saw a petition for habeas corpus filed, aiming to lessen the sentences of the Menendez brothers, backed by fresh evidence presented in the series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” Many people question whether their second trial was fair, a topic touched upon in the show. In the 90s, Los Angeles was in an unusual situation, with the Menendez convictions coming amidst the aftermath of riots and the sensational O.J Simpson trial. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that even if the brothers were indeed sexually abused as they claim, their actions – killing their parents – cannot be justified. Ryan Murphy expressed interest in delving into the sexual abuse aspect, as he explained during an interview with THR:

As a gaming enthusiast diving deep into true crime narratives, the Menendez brothers never captivated my initial interest. Instead, what truly gripped me was the disturbing aspect of alleged sexual abuse. This particular angle was the one I found myself consumed by. It’s intriguing to note that this aspect seems to have struck a chord with others as well, leading them to believe that such evidence should have been admitted during the second trial. This whole situation leaves me utterly fascinated.

The Menendez brothers have been afforded an opportunity on Murphy’s Netflix true-crime series, a chance to present their side of the story before returning to the official judicial system. Murphy believes that this public platform might potentially lead to their exoneration.

It seems highly probable to me that they will be released from prison in time for Christmas, something I am quite certain of. Admittedly, it’s disheartening that the family was so strongly against the performance and criticized it so vehemently. Yet ironically, what they assumed would harm them is proving beneficial instead.

The Menendez Brothers Documentary Key Facts

  • Available to stream on Netflix on October 7, 2024
  • It features new interviews with Lyle and Erik Menendez, as well as their cousin Diane Vander Molen and prosecutor Pamela Bozanich.

Watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story On Netflix Now

Read More

2024-10-07 01:04