Ryan Murphy faces backlash for incestuous portrayal of Menendez brothers in Monsters Netflix series

Ryan Murphy's Monsters on the Menendez brothers criticized for sensationalizing incest and neglecting their trauma.

Ryan Murphy's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has sparked outrage among viewers who accuse the series of prioritizing sensationalism over accurately portraying the brothers' alleged suffering at the hands of their parents. Critics argue that the show overly dramatizes the incestuous abuse claims and neglects the emotional and psychological impact of the brothers' experiences, focusing more on shock value.

i hope there's a way for the menendez brothers to sue the hell out of ryan murphy's ass. how are you gonna tell our story and make it as if my brother and i were in a relationship when you already know that OUR FATHER abused us for years that's why we're serving life in prison??? https://t.co/mS975w5bJ3

— j (@llethargicc) September 20, 2024

Erik Menendez’s statement in response to monsters.
Honestly the show is inaccurate, disrespectful and trash. I’m so sick of Netflix’s gay baits.
Ryan Murphy should be ashamed of himself. #MonstersNetflix https://t.co/maFmypJ9zH pic.twitter.com/8ZZf3laxWp

— Maryam X (@mobscene971) September 20, 2024

ryan murphy and sam levinson are actually going to the deepest pits of hell https://t.co/JVOhUcxD6U

— maze★𐚁 (@foxxyscleo) September 19, 2024

Making a show about two victims of incestuous abuse by a parent and then not only brushing aside their father’s abuse but fabricating an incestuous relationship between the siblings is low even for Ryan Murphy lol https://t.co/Q0tdVJKzTD

— amanda (@jailedamanda) September 19, 2024

Victims of such violent sexual assault they were afraid to go to the bathroom at night and would defecate in tupperware & keep it under their beds until daylight when it was safe. Ryan Murphy is vile. This is all documented w family members corroborating all this #MonstersNetflix https://t.co/ucQ98XeMw3

— bunny sanders (@whatbunnysaid) September 20, 2024

Several viewers took to social media, expressing frustration with the series' portrayal of the Menendez family. Many pointed out that the series focuses heavily on salacious details rather than exploring the true depth of the brothers' trauma. The brothers claimed they killed their parents out of fear, having endured years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from their father, José Menendez. However, viewers argue that the show distorts these claims for dramatic effect.

While Monsters has been praised for its performances, especially by Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch, critics assert that it reduces a complex family tragedy into a tabloid-like narrative. As one review mentioned, the show “leans into the shocking details,” detracting from the authenticity of the story​

The backlash highlights the ongoing debate about true crime portrayals, with some demanding a more respectful and accurate depiction of the Menendez brothers’ experiences.