Netflix’s Monsters series called ‘dishonest portrayal’ by real Erik Menéndez

Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.

Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez was condemned for his “dishonest portrayal” by the real Erik Menéndez.

The second season of Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology series centers on the titular brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez.

Following the series’ premiere on Netflix this week (September 19), Menéndez shared a statement on his wife Tammi’s X account (formerly Twitter), in which he called the series a “naive and inaccurate” portrayal.

“I thought we moved beyond the lies and the disastrous portrayals of Lyle’s character, creating a caricature of Lyle that was rooted in the horrible, blatant lies that run rampant throughout the show,” he said.

“I can only believe they did this on purpose. It is with a heavy heart that I say that I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be so naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives to do this without ill intent.

“It’s sad to me that Netflix’s dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime has pushed painful truths back several steps — back in time, to a time when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that men weren’t sexually abused and that men experienced the trauma of rape differently than women.

“These horrific lies have been exposed and unmasked by countless courageous victims over the past two decades, who have overcome their personal shame and courageously spoken out.”

Menendez accused Murphy of misrepresenting his family through “vile and appalling” character portrayals and “discouraging slander.”

“Is the truth not enough? Let the truth be known as truth,” the statement continued. “It is demoralizing to know that one man in power can undermine decades of progress in addressing childhood trauma. Violence is never an answer, never a solution, and it is always tragic.”

She concluded: “So I hope we never forget that violence against a child creates a hundred horrific and silent crime scenes, hidden behind glitz and glamour, and rarely exposed until the tragedy sinks in for everyone involved. To everyone who has reached out and supported me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Digital Spy has reached out to Netflix and Ryan Murphy for comment.

After gunning down their parents in their Beverly Hills home in 1989, Erik and Lyle were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Murphy’s First Season Monster anthology series centered on notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The series has been renewed for two additional seasons that will reportedly focus on “other monstrous figures who have impacted society.”

It has been confirmed that the third season will focus on serial killer Ed Gein, also known as the “Butcher of Plainfield” – who will be played by Rebel MoonThis is Charlie Hunnam.

Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez is streaming on Netflix.

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If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, at his website or by calling the National Rape Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape crisis in Scotland The helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the United States are encouraged to contact RAIN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

Sara is a journalist specialising in entertainment, television and film. After studying journalism at the University of Roehampton, Sara joined Digital Spy in 2023, writing news (and occasionally articles) on all things entertainment. She has also written for the cultural bureau of The Evening Standard. Passionate about television and cinema, Sara can rave about everything from The Bridgerton Chronicle has The Witcher. She can also recite entire episodes of New girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine And Parks and recreation. In her free time, Sara enjoys knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. Also passionate about musical theatre, Sara counts Samantha Barks among her heroes and is a loyal fan of Jodie Comer.