Ryan Murphy, the creator of the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” has recently addressed the backlash and criticism surrounding the show. Is he defending the Menendez brothers incestuous relationship he portrayed in the series?
The series, which premiered recently on September 19, 2024, delves into the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989.
‘Monsters’ season 2 has become very controversial, with even the real Erik Menendez complaining about how false the story was portrayed on screen. He also called Ryan Murphy’s work “naive and inaccurate” of the events and the allegedly “romantic” relationship between the brothers.
of course, it’s a ryan murphy production #monstersnetflix pic.twitter.com/nW5Z7kXRL4
— x (@haus_of_candy) September 19, 2024
He expressed his discontent through a statement released via his wife Tammi Menendez’s social media account.
Menendez Brothers Incestuous Relationship in Netflix Series Was an “Obligation” Says Ryan Murphy
In response, Ryan Murphy defended the series during an interview by E! News emphasizing the extensive research and multiple perspectives presented in the show. He pointed out that a significant portion of the series focuses on the abuse the brothers claimed to have suffered at the hands of their parents.
Murphy stated, “We had an obligation as storytellers to also try and put in their perspective based on our research, which we did.”
Murphy also addressed the controversial depiction of a homoerotic and incestuous relationship between the brothers, explaining that it was based on theories and viewpoints that emerged during the trial. He stressed the importance of presenting all sides of the story, even if it is uncomfortable for some viewers.
“What the show is doing is presenting the points of view and theories from so many people who were involved in the case. Dominick Dunne wrote several articles talking about that theory,” he said.
Ryan said that the real focus they wanted to give to the show was the abuse that Menendez brothers suffered from their parents.
“The thing that I find interesting that he doesn’t mention in his quote, is if you watch the show, I would say 60 to 65 percent of our show in the scripts and in the film form center around the abuse and what they claim happened to them,” he said.
