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Ryan Murphy is back with another installment of Monster, this time adding an “s” at the end to delve into the chilling case of the Menendez brothers. Retelling the shocking 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez by their own sons, this series explores the complex dynamic of the family that was once the talk of the town.
Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story Credits: NetflixLike previous installments, this new chapter isn’t without its share of controversy. Just as viewers of the Jeffrey Dahmer series took issue with Murphy’s portrayal of events, the Menendez saga is stirring up heated discussions once more. This time, Erik Menendez himself has weighed in, expressing his feelings about how his story is being retold on the screen.
Why Episode 2 of Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story Is Facing Backlash
Some social media users have raised eyebrows at the series for scenes hinting at an incestuous relationship between Lyle and Erik Menendez, despite scant evidence in real life.
In the second episode, viewers witness the brothers sharing a lip-lock while plotting their future, followed by a close dance where they tenderly caress each other’s faces, much to the confusion and distaste of onlookers at a party.
To top it off, journalist Dominick Dunne throws out the idea that they killed their parents to cover up their alleged romance, a theory that the real Dunne never actually suggested in his trial coverage. This creative twist has left many viewers feeling more than a little uneasy.
A screen grab of the real Erik Menendez in his trial Credits: YouTube via Court TVHere is what the people are saying online,
ryan murphy is going to hell, erik and lyle deserve respect, they went through a lot of abuse and ryan murphy made it into a huge joke
— m (@imnotauntblazer) September 20, 2024ryan murphy portraying them as monsters and then benefitting off of their trauma is so sickening
— eri˚❀*·ꕤ. (@eternalcumslime) September 20, 2024Erik's critique highlights a significant issue with how media portrayals can overshadow real-life trauma, emphasizing the need for factual integrity in storytelling. It's a stark reminder of the impact creative liberties can have on those directly affected by the events depicted.
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐝 (@Asad8492) September 20, 2024i’ve said this before but hollywood creators who profit off of someone else’s REAL story… especially one with childhood abuse… need to be held accountable (financially and civilly) for bastardizing the story for the purpose of entertainment and profit. they should sue.
— luca (@LucaGuadagnegro) September 21, 2024I've been following their story for years & no way I condone what they did, but least get the facts straight. Those poor men did not have a chance especially with their ab*sive parents.
— Dangerous_alchemy (@evie_alchemist) September 21, 2024The Menendez case was undeniably sensational when it unfolded in the ’90s. Thus, many urged the creator to tread carefully rather than dramatize such a deeply tragic event, especially considering the real lives and traumas involved. Similarly, the backlash against the Jeffrey Dahmer miniseries was also significant, with many highlighting inaccuracies and accusing the show of glorifying the infamous serial killer.
Family members of Dahmer’s victims have also voiced their concerns, calling the series “retraumatizing” and arguing that it exploits their loved ones’ tragedies without including them in the narrative. And so far it is not a good look for Netflix as well as Murphy.
Erik Menendez Slams Netflix and Ryan Murphy Over Controversial Series
Things took a turn for the worse when Tammi Menendez shared an online statement from her husband, Erik Menendez, on her X account. He claimed that the drama series painted them with “ruinous character portrayals.”
He didn’t hold back, accusing showrunner Ryan Murphy of having ulterior motives, given the narrative choices he made. The statement said,
It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent.
Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story Credits: NetflixRead the full statement here,
He further called out the series for not taking very real issues of trauma and abuse seriously. Menendez also expressed frustration over how the narrative twists their experiences into something unrecognizable, and he’s determined to set the record straight.
He only hopes for a more accurate story, one that honors the complexities of their experiences and so do the viewers!
Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story is streaming on Netflix.
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