The family of Erik and Lyle Menendez has slammed Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama Monsters which revisits the brutal murder of their parents – calling it ‘gross’ and ‘riddled with mistruths.’
Monsters, created by Ryan Murphy, tells the chilling tale of the Beverly Hills brothers – and the sinister motives behind the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, who were shot dead in their $5 million mansion in 1989.
The controversial series, now topping Netflix’s global charts, explores the disturbing details behind the murders and the divisive trial, during which the Menendez brothers alleged years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
The show, while reigniting public interest in the case, has now been met with backlash from those closest to the brothers.
However, the brothers themselves are now telling the story in their own words – as Netflix has announced the Menendez Brothers, a documentary about the case, starring the brothers. It will air October 7.
Monsters, created by Ryan Murphy, tells the chilling tale of Menendez brothers Erik (played by Cooper Koch, right) and Lyle (played by Nicholas Chavez, left) who killed their parents in 1989
Jose and Kitty Menendez (centre) were shot dead by their sons in their $5 million Beverly Hills mansion
Extended members of the Menendez family have released a scathing statement criticising the new series – which is currently number one on Netflix’s global top ten.
Co-signed and shared by Erik’s wife, Tammi Menendez, on a post on X today, the brothers’ aunt, Joan VanderMolen, concluded the family’s sentiments.
VanderMolen’s statement read: ‘We are virtually the entire extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez. We are 24 strong and today we want the world to know we support Erik and Lyle. We know them, love them, and want them home with us.’
She went on to accuse the series of painting a false narrative, calling it a ‘phobic, gross, anachronistic, serial episodic nightmare’ that neglects recent revelations the family claims would exonerate the brothers.
Contrary to Murphy’s claim of extensive research, VanderMolen claims the family was never consulted during the production of the show.
She added: ‘The character assassination of Erik and Lyle, under the guise of a “storytelling narrative,” is repulsive. We know what went on in their home and the unimaginably turbulent lives they have endured.’
The family’s statement suggests they have firsthand knowledge of the abuse Erik and Lyle allegedly suffered, with several members claiming to be ‘eyewitnesses’ to the ‘atrocities’ the brothers faced during their upbringing.
The statement concluded with sharp criticism of Murphy, accusing him of lacking an understanding of the long-term effects of abuse and childhood trauma: ‘Perhaps, after all, Monsters is all about Ryan Murphy.’
Co-signed and shared by Erik’s wife, Tammi Menendez, on a post on X today, the brothers’ aunt, Joan VanderMolen, concluded the family’s sentiments about the series
The statement concluded with sharp criticism of the show’s creator Ryan Murphy (pictured), accusing him of lacking an understanding of the long-term effects of childhood trauma
Tammi Menendez (pictured), who married Erik in 1999 while he was serving his life sentence, has also been vocal in her disapproval.
Erik married Tammi Saccoman in 1999. Their relationship started with her sending him letters for years
Tammi Menendez, who married Erik in 1999 while he was serving his life sentence, has also been vocal in her disapproval.
Shortly after Monsters premiered on Netflix, she shared a post titled In Erik’s Words on X, expressing her husband’s disappointment.
It read: ‘I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show,’ with Erik further suggesting Murphy’s ‘inaccuracies’ were ‘done on purpose.’
He added: ‘How demoralising is it to know that one man with power can undermine decades of progress in shedding light on childhood trauma. Violence is never an answer, never a solution, and is always tragic.
‘As such, I hope it is never forgotten that violence against a child creates a hundred horrendous and silent crime scenes darkly shadowed behind glitter and glamor and rarely exposed until tragedy penetrates everyone involved.’
Shortly after Monsters premiered on Netflix, Tammi shared a post titled In Erik’s Words on X, expressing her husband’s disappointment
Erik said: ‘How demoralising is it to know that one man with power can undermine decades of progress in shedding light on childhood trauma. Violence is never an answer, never a solution, and is always tragic’
Both Erik and Lyle Menendez have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole since their second trial in 1996
Both Erik and Lyle Menendez have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole since their second trial in 1996, but the controversy surrounding their case persists.
While many believe justice was served for the cold-blooded murders of their parents, others are sympathetic to the brothers’ claims of lifelong abuse.
Meanwhile, the blood-curdling murder of 80s star Dominique Dunne has been brought back into the spotlight after her story featured in Netflix’s latest series about the Menendez brothers.
The series, which debuted on the streaming platform on September 19, has been a hit with true crime sleuths who have even unearthed more information about the 1982 murder of promising actress Dominque.
Dominique’s death was mentioned a number of times in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, leaving web detectives with a series of questions about her gruesome murder.