Ryan Murphy on Menendez Brothers Retrial and Monsters Backlash

Ryan Murphy Defends Netflix Series on Menendez Brothers

Ryan Murphy is hitting back at the family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez who have criticized Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” as a “grotesque shockadrama.” In response to the family’s statement, Murphy expresses his thoughts on the matter, pointing out the lack of specifics in their criticism.

The Menendez brothers are currently serving life sentences for the murder of their parents in 1989. The series delves into the killings and the trials that led to their conviction in 1996.

Murphy believes that “Monsters” has sparked a renewed interest in the Menendez brothers after 30 years. He sees the series as an opportunity to raise important questions about the criminal justice system and rehabilitation.

If the trial were held today, Murphy speculates that the brothers might have received a lesser charge and sentence. He criticizes the handling of the second trial and the jurors’ biases, suggesting that new evidence should be considered.

Cooper Koch, who plays Erik in the series, shared his experience of meeting the real Erik and Lyle, highlighting his involvement in prison reform efforts. However, Murphy has not reached out to the brothers himself and does not feel compelled to advocate for them.

While Koch wishes to support the brothers, Murphy maintains his focus on storytelling and artistic perspective. He respects Koch’s relationship with the Menendez brothers and Kim Kardashian’s advocacy for prison reform.

Overall, Murphy stands by his portrayal of the Menendez brothers in “Monsters,” emphasizing the importance of raising critical questions and sparking conversations about justice and rehabilitation.