Erik Menendez recently criticized Netflix and the creator of the show Monsters for what he called “blatant lies” about his and his brother Lyle’s portrayal in the series. The show covers their high-profile case from the 1990s, when they were convicted of murdering their parents. While the brothers admitted to the killings, they have always claimed it was in response to years of sexual abuse by their father, a claim that was rejected in court.
Erik's response to the Netflix's series.#NetflixMonsters #Netflix #RyanMurphy pic.twitter.com/Xz1waxA2u3
— Tammi Menendez (@TammiMenendez1) September 20, 2024
In his statement, Erik expressed disappointment that the show depicted his brother Lyle based on what he described as “horrible and blatant lies.” He accused Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, of intentionally misrepresenting their story. Erik argued that Netflix’s portrayal not only misrepresented their experiences but also perpetuated outdated beliefs that deny male victims of sexual abuse.
He also lamented that the series undermined the progress made in understanding childhood trauma and abuse. Erik highlighted the courage of many victims who have come forward in recent years and criticized Murphy for using “vile and appalling character portrayals” that he believes distort the truth of their lives. He ended his statement by thanking supporters and calling for the truth to be acknowledged, emphasizing that violence is never a solution, and expressing hope that the impact of childhood abuse is not overlooked.
Netflix has not yet commented on Erik Menendez’s statement. This controversy adds to the ongoing debate about how true crime stories are adapted for entertainment and the responsibility creators have to those involved in real-life events.