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

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.

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.