Ryan Murphy explores his approach to the Menendez brothers case in Netflix series

The Menendez Brothers case has returned to public attention in 2024, following the release of two Netflix originals that examine the lives of Lyle and Erik Menendez. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ryan Murphy discussed his perspective on the brothers and his approach to their story. Murphy is the showrunner for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

Although Monsters reignited interest in the Menendez case, Murphy has faced significant criticism online for portraying the brothers in a highly sexualized manner. However, Murphy defends his approach, stating he aimed to present multiple perspectives to highlight the story's complexity. He addressed the audience with this message: 

"And I think, love it or not, there’s a movement with young people who want to talk about that in a way that wasn’t available in 1989 ... What it did, I think, which is why I wanted to make it, was launch a conversation about that topic."

Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted in 1996 for murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. On October 28, 2024, their defense team filed a request for pardon, driven largely by a wave of public support for the brothers after renewed interest from the two Netflix shows.

The first Netflix production, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, was a dramatized portrayal of the brothers' case. The second, a documentary titled The Menendez Brothers, featured official phone interviews with the brothers and explored the alleged physical and s*xual abuse they reportedly suffered from their father.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has also appealed to reconsider the brothers’ sentence. Many supporters hope these legal efforts will lead to a reassessment of the case, possibly accelerating Lyle and Erik's path to freedom.

Besides fans of the series, several celebrities have voiced their support for the Menendez Brothers. Prominent public figure Kim Kardashian even authored an essay for NBC News, advocating for their release following her visit with them in prison.