The Controversy Around Ryan Murphy’s Menéndez Brothers True Crime Show, Explained

There’s an almost annual tradition among TV watchers: As a new Ryan Murphy show makes its way onto streaming services, controversy surrounds its release. This time, the backlash is in response to the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, which debuted on the streaming service on September 19. The show takes a look at one of the most notorious murder trials of the 1990s and follows in the footsteps of Murphy’s other true-crime shows, such as Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, as well as multiple entries of his anthology series American Crime Story, including The People vs. O.J. Simpson, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace.

Since its streaming premiere, the show has already garnered significant criticism for its portrayal of the titular brothers, specifically for its speculation about a possible romantic, incestuous relationship between them. Here, we break down exactly who the Menéndez Brothers are, why people seem so upset with Murphy (again), and whether there’s any shred of truth to what is being depicted on screen.

Note: This article discusses explicit acts of child sexual abuse.

Who are the Menéndez Brothers?

Erik and Lyle Menéndez, who are often referred to simply as the “Menéndez Brothers,” are siblings who were convicted of the 1989 murder of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez, in 1996. José Menéndez was a record executive who worked with bands such as Duran Duran, the Eurythmics, and Menudo, and the boys had a lavish Beverly Hills upbringing.

On the night of August 20, 1989, Lyle called 911 to report that his parents had been killed. Both brothers claimed to have been at the movies and suggested that the mafia was involved with the crimes; however, Erik later confessed to the murder to his therapist, L. Jerome Oziel, who had taped their therapy sessions. Oziel’s mistress took the tapes to the police and in March 1990, the Brothers were arrested and charged with their parents’ murder.

During the trial, which aired on CourtTV and became a national media sensation, the brothers argued that they killed their parents out of fear for their lives after being sexually and physically abused by their father. Lyle also accused Kitty of sexual abuse, stating that she would wash his body everywhere and invite him into bed with her, where she would touch him.

What is Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story?

The nine-episode second season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology true crime series Monsters — yes, the one that covered serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in its first season — dropped on Netflix on September 19. The show jumps around in time, depicting the murder, trial, and its aftermath through multiple perspectives and with a star-stacked cast. Oscar winner Javier Bardem and Oscar nominee Chloë Sevigny play José and Kitty Menéndez.