True crime fans are raving about the upcoming Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story.
The series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, revolves around the 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menéndez, who were killed by their sons Lyle and Erik.
The series, starring Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny, is the second season of the Monster anthology.
Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch also play the roles of Lyle and Erik Menendez.
It was released following the success of 2020’s Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, about the life and crimes of notorious serial killer Jeffery Dahmer.
Fans were very fond of the series’ title ahead of its worldwide release on September 19.
On Facebook they claimed that Joseph and Erik were not ‘monsters’, but victims of physical and sexual abuse by their father José.
“I hate that it’s called Monsters,” one fan complained. “Yes, these boys did something wrong, but I truly believe that their parents were justified in abusing, torturing, and attacking these boys their entire lives.
True crime fans have slammed the upcoming Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. Pictured are Chloe Sevigny and Javier Bardem, who star in the series
“They wrongly deprived these boys of the opportunity to live a normal life. In my opinion, they got what they deserved: the freedom of these boys.”
One of them said they would reserve judgment until the series premiere.
“I just hope they do these men right and tell their story with dignified sympathy and honesty, and don’t paint them as villains to create a more compelling story,” the fan wrote.
Another joined the debate, suggesting that the Monsters label may apply to the way the media portrayed the brothers at the time of the trial.
“We’ll have to wait and see how they’re portrayed in the show, but I wonder if the show will be called Monsters, as they were referred to in the media at the time of the case, and not necessarily monsters,” they wrote.
Another added that even though Monsters was the name of the anthology series, it felt “wrong” to label this particular story.
On Facebook they argued that Joseph and Erik were not ‘monsters’, but victims of physical and sexual abuse by their father Jose.
“I hate that it’s called Monsters,” one fan complained. “Yes, these boys did the wrong thing, but I honestly believe that their parents were justified in abusing, torturing, and attacking these boys their entire lives.
Another said they would reserve judgment until the series premieres
“I understand that they copied the same format as the Dahmer series, but just calling it MONSTERS is crazy,” they said.
“I don’t know much about their case, just the basics, but it just feels wrong.”
Another fan criticized the Monster series as a whole, calling it “exploitative.”
“It feels a little dirty and exploitative to make this dramatic series about true crime, and after what happened with the Dahmer series that didn’t consult or even notify the families of the victims, I doubt this story will be treated with grace.
Another joined the debate with a similar sentiment, arguing that the Monsters label could apply to the way the media portrayed the brothers at the time of the trial.
We’ll have to wait and see how they portray that in the series, they wrote
Another joined the debate with a similar sentiment, arguing that the Monsters label could apply to the way the media portrayed the brothers at the time of the trial.
Joseph and Erik Menéndez were convicted in 1996 of the murder of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez.
During their trial, the brothers testified that they committed the murders out of fear that their father would kill them. They threatened to expose him for years of sexual, emotional and physical abuse.
However, the Public Prosecution Service stated that they did this in order to inherit the millions of euros from their father’s estate.
The brothers were initially tried separately with one jury for each brother. However, both juries were unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
During the second trial, they were tried together by a single jury, which found them guilty after the judge excluded evidence of assault for the defense.
Both brothers were sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of parole.
This week it was also announced that Charlie Hunnam will star in the next installment of the series, playing the notorious necrophile and murderer Ed Gein.
Joseph and Erik Menéndez were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.