The new Netflix drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has sparked controversy after receiving criticism from the real-life Menendez brothers it is based on. The show, which stars Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as the brothers, has quickly risen to the top of Netflix’s streaming chart.
Lyle and Erik Menendez infamously killed their parents in 1989, claiming self-defense after years of alleged abuse. The brothers were eventually convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder in 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
The drama, created by Ryan Murphy, explores the events leading up to the murders from different perspectives, including the brothers’ claims of abuse. However, critics have described the show as “exhausting” and “repetitive,” with some saying it lacks direction.
In response to the criticism, Erik Menendez released a statement calling the show “disheartening slander,” while Murphy defended the series, stating that it was important to show all perspectives, including that of the parents. Despite the controversy, “Monsters” continues to be a popular choice among viewers in the true crime genre.
