Murphy, creator of Monsters, retaliates against Menendez family’s accusations labeling drama ‘grotesque’

Monsters creator Ryan Murphy has rebuffed criticism from the family of Lyle and Erik Menendez regarding the Netflix drama about their parents’ 1989 murder, stating that his show is “the best thing that has happened to the Menendez brothers in 30 years”.

A new statement from Erik’s wife Tammi, shared on Friday, described the family as being “victimized” by what they called “a grotesque shockadrama”.

A group of 24 family members, led by the brothers’ aunt, expressed their desire to have the brothers “home with us,” contending that the show is “riddled with mistruths and outright falsehoods”.

They noted that no one from the show had ever directly contacted them and insinuated that “Monster” is primarily about Murphy himself.

In an interview with Variety, Murphy – also the creator of “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” – dismissed the family’s response as “predictable at best”.

He challenged the family to specify what elements of the show they believe are “lies after lies”.

Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of shooting their father and mother Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez multiple times at close range in the family mansion in Beverly Hills, California, on 20 August 1989. At the time, they were 21 and 18 years old.

During their trial, their defense argued that the brothers committed the murders in self-defense after enduring years of alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Read more:
What was the Menendez brothers murder case?
Monsters star supports Menendez brothers in call for retrial
Kim Kardashian visits Menendez brothers

The prosecution contended that the murders were driven by greed, claiming that the brothers killed their parents to prevent disinheritance.

Murphy’s drama explores the killings as well as the subsequent trials that led to the brothers receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole in 1996. Murphy has previously stated that the drama presents both the parents’ and the brothers’ perspectives.

In his interview with Variety, Murphy asserted that his show has brought the brothers “into the spotlight for millions of people around the world… granting them a new trial in the court of public opinion”.

He expressed his belief that this could pave the way for the new evidence claimed by the brothers to be reconsidered and potentially lead to a retrial.

The defense team for the Menendez brothers has revealed two new pieces of evidence that were not available during the original trial and is seeking a retrial.

Murphy suggested that if the trial were held today, with a better understanding of male sexual abuse, the brothers might face a reduced charge and sentence.

He maintained that while he wished the Menendez brothers well, he had no intention of speaking with them.

Recently, Monsters actor Cooper Koch informed Sky News about his meeting with the brothers at San Diego County’s Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility alongside Kim Kardashian.

Koch, portraying Erik Menendez, expressed his support for a retrial and stated: “I totally stand with them, and I support them, and I can only hope that the justice system makes the right decision”.

He described his visit with the brothers as “a very rewarding experience” that had a profound impact on his life.

In response to Erik Menendez’s criticism of the show as “dishonest,” Koch told Sky News: “I understand where he’s coming from.

“It’s very difficult to have your life dramatised and retold in a Hollywood retelling of the biggest trauma of your life. One that has, in a sense, defined you.

“I can only sympathise and empathise with him and stand with him. You know, I get it.”

Next month, Netflix will release a documentary about the Menendez case, featuring extensive audio interviews with Lyle and Erik, as well as lawyers involved in the trial, journalists who covered it, jurors, and family members – seemingly with the brothers’ full approval.