Monster
Netflix is cashing in on the success of “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” its third-highest-rated show of all time, as it tries to get creator Ryan Murphy to make a series about the famous killer, resulting in the release of “Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” which quickly rocketed to the top of Netflix’s top 10 list and is likely to stay there.
The show tells the story of two brothers who are convicted and sentenced to life in prison for murdering their parents, and as is often the case, the characters are not too happy about their portrayal on the show.
The show prompted a response from Erik Menendez, who is currently serving a life sentence at age 53, in a new statement:
“They created a caricature of Lyle that was rooted in the egregious and blatant lies that permeated the show, and believed they had risen above Lyle’s lies and destructive characterization. I can only believe they did so on purpose. I say wholeheartedly that Ryan Murphy could not be so ignorant and inaccurate about the facts of our lives without malicious intent.”
“I am saddened to learn that Netflix’s dishonest portrayal of the tragedy surrounding our crimes has taken the painful truth several steps back — a throwback to a time when prosecutors built their story on the belief system that men don’t get sexually abused and that men experience the trauma of rape differently than women. This terrible lie has been challenged and exposed over the past two decades by countless brave victims who overcame their personal shame to speak out. Now Murphy is fabricating that horrific story through his vile, appalling characterization and disheartening smears against Lyle and me.”
“Is the truth not enough? Let the truth remain the truth. How demoralizing to know that one man in a position of power can undo progress in shedding light on decades of childhood trauma. Violence is never the answer or the solution, it is always the tragedy. So I never want to forget that violence against children creates hundreds of horrifying, silent crime scenes hidden behind the glitz and glamour, rarely coming to light until the tragedy permeates all involved. I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have reached out and supported me.”
Menendez brothers trial in Los Angeles – Left to right: Erik Menendez and his lawyer … [+]
It is not clear what scene in the show Eric is rebelling against. The episode focuses on the abuse Eric and Lyle suffered at the hands of their father, with one-shot episodes in which Eric has very graphic conversations with Lyle. They are not portrayed as heroes, but the abuse they suffered is a key part of the story. That said, given the context, it is not surprising that they would dislike their portrayal in such a show. It will be interesting to see if Lyle comments on this, or if Murphy or Netflix respond to this. Last time, Murphy had to deal with the anger of the families of Dahmer’s victims. This time, Murphy himself is the murderer.
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