Separating the Truth from Fiction: The True Story of the Menendez Brothers
- ayouthviewpoint
- Nov 11, 2024
- 5 min read
By Cristina Labrador Carballo
The Menendez story has become one of the most talked-about crime cases in America, and as a result of the new series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, it's back on the spotlight. But how true is the show compared to what really happened?
The Menendez brothers' case began on a summer night in 1989 when Lyle, 21, and Erik Menendez, 18, murdered their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. José Menendez was a wealthy entertainment executive, and their family lived a life of luxury and privilege. The Menendez brothers killed their parents out of fear after going through years of alleged physical and sexual abuse from their father, which they said led to their breaking point. Initially, the brothers reported their parents’ deaths saying someone killed them, and later claiming it was the mafia, and for several months, they went about their lives, spending money on cars, and designer clothing.
On March 8, 1990, Lyle and Erik Menendez shocked the nation when they were arrested for the brutal killing of their parents. This case quickly became infamous, mainly due to it's shocking narrative: "rich kids kill their own parents". Many found it ironic that the brothers, who seemed to lead perfect and privileged lives, would commit such a violent crime. The public and media focused on the contrast between their wealth and the brutality of their actions, framing the case as a dark twist on the American dream. This narrative created a lasting idea that Lyle and Erik killed their parents out of greed. Monsters brings back this view, showing the brothers’ wealth and luxury in a way that can strengthen these old ideas. By emphasizing their rich lifestyle after their parents’ deaths, the show tends to give a one-sided view of the case, similar to the way it was covered in the 1990s. This sensationalized image later grew more complicated as claims of abuse and trauma surfaced, adding layers to the story that kept the public fascinated and intrigued.
With the release of the series Monsters, viewers are drawn into the lives of the Menendez brothers. The series adds dramatic scenes and interpretations, which differ from the real story. Many scenes that show personal moments in the series are adapted or fictionalized, creating moments that may not have happened. This storytelling approach has led many viewers to assume the dramatized moments in the series represent the complete truth, causing misconceptions about the Menendez case.
Erik Menendez has publicly criticized the show, calling it a misleading portrayal of him and his brother. He states that the show includes “blatant lies,” and he also claims that Ryan Murphy intentionally misrepresented the facts surrounding their crime. Moreover, he also expressed disappointment in Netflix’s portrayal, saying it pushes back understanding of their case and childhood trauma. “Is the truth not enough? Let the truth stand as the truth," he wrote, adding that it’s upsetting how one person’s influence can undo the years of progress towards the recognition that men can also experience abuse and trauma. Their family has also spoken out expressing their opinions on the show, describing it as a “grotesque shock-drama”, which primarily focuses on entertainment rather than accuracy.
Ryan Murphy created the show to explore different viewpoints and theories about the Menendez case, including ideas from people involved. However, one misunderstanding from the series is the idea that Lyle and Erik Menendez had a sexual or romantic relationship. In an early episode, the show includes scenes where the brothers kiss, and later on the show they present a scene in which they take a shower together, leading some viewers to misinterpret
their relationship. The only true fact presented on the show about these assumptions is what Lyle testified in the trial, that he had molested Erik when they were children, since he was used to his father constantly doing it to him. Lyle says in the trial, "I took him out to the woods, and I played with Erik...in the same way. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Which is not a misconception of one of the scenes in the series.
The series also portrays them as wild party-goers after their parents’ deaths in episode two, with scenes of them using drugs and dancing. In reality, people close to them say this portrayal is very inaccurate. Robert Rand, told Newsweek that Erik was “weeping all day and distraught” and not at all in a partying mood. “That’s why the party scenes in episode one are so upsetting to me—they’re not true. Erik was a mess,” Rand said. By portraying the brothers as carefree and partying, the series creates a misleading impression, suggesting they felt no guilt or sadness, which doesn’t align with their actual emotional state during that time.
A frequent misbelief in the show is the portrayal of Lyle Menendez as constantly angry, mean, and harsh. In Monsters, Lyle is often portrayed as aggressive and short-tempered, which can lead viewers to believe that this was his typical demeanor. However, descriptions from friends, family, and those who interacted with him suggest that Lyle was often collected and protective, especially towards Erik. During the actual trial, Lyle’s behavior was noted to be more reserved. He showed his emotions during the proper circumstances but was not depicted by constant anger. Consequently, as the series typically presents him as angry, it makes the viewers perceive him differently and misrepresent his true character.
As for Erik Menendez, in the series, he is subtly portrayed as possibly gay, with various scenes hinting that he could potentially be attracted or interested in men. One example is his
conversation with a prison mate who assumes Erik is gay and assures him that it’s okay to be himself; Erik, however, denies this, asserting that he is not gay. The series goes further with a shower scene that implies sexual acts between Erik and this inmate, as well as moments of closeness with his brother Lyle that some viewers interpret as romantic. In reality, Erik Menendez has never identified as gay and has denied these portrayals. This creative choice has led to misunderstandings, especially among viewers unfamiliar with the true details of his life and who he is.
In the end, Monsters brings back attention to a case that many had nearly forgotten, getting people talking about justice, trauma, and family issues once again. While the series draws viewers in with dramatized scenes and suspense, this focus on entertainment risks reducing a complex and painful story. It explores intense themes like childhood trauma and family secrets, but it also seems to forget what is fact and what is fiction, leaving some viewers misinformed. When it comes to cases like these, it’s important to take into consideration that they’re not just “stories” or “series”, they’re real-life events that impacted real people, and not fictional “characters” in a plot. True crime media is becoming more popular than ever, yet it's power and potential to shape public opinion and perceptions brings real-life consequences. Stories like the Menendez case are more than just entertainment; they involve real people’s lives and stories.
Links:
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/23/entertainment/erik-lyle-menendez-monsters/index.html https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a62368160/how-accurate-is-monsters-menendez https://www.eonline.com/news/1408667/erik-menendez-reacts-to-brother-lyles-apology-for- molesting-him
https://www.eonline.com/news/1408667/erik-menendez-reacts-to-brother-lyles -apology-for-molesting-him
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