Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual abuse which some readers may find distressing.
Kim Kardashian is advocating for the release of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are featured in Netflix’s new series, Monsters.
The Menendez brothers received life sentences without the possibility of parole in 1996 for the 1989 murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
At the time of the killings, Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18. During their initial trial, they claimed they had endured years of abuse.
The first trial resulted in a hung jury, but the claims of abuse were largely excluded from the second trial, leading to their conviction.
Their story inspired Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which quickly gained popularity.
After the series premiered, LA County District Attorney George Gascon stated there was ‘a moral and an ethical obligation’ to reassess the evidence of alleged sexual abuse by the brothers’ father, which they submitted last year.
During a news conference on October 3, Gascon remarked: “None of this information has been confirmed.
“We are not, at this point, ready to say that we either believe or do not believe that information.”
“But we’re here to tell you that we have a moral and an ethical obligation to review what is being presented to us.”
As the case undergoes review, the brothers have garnered support from Kardashian, who has been an advocate for criminal justice reform.
The entrepreneur and reality star penned an op-ed for NBC News advocating for the brothers’ release, stating: “Physiologically and psychologically, time changes us, and I doubt anyone would claim to be the same person they were at 18. I know I’m not!”
In the piece, Kardashian argued that the brothers’ story turned into ‘entertainment for the nation’ during their televised trial and that they were portrayed as ‘monsters and sensationalized eye candy’.
She contended that this narrative deprived them of ‘a fair trial’. Gascon, however, mentioned that the review announcement did not imply ‘there was anything wrong with the original trial’.
Kardashian noted that she has interacted with both Lyle and Erik and stated they are ‘not monsters’, but have ‘exemplary disciplinary records’ in prison.
She acknowledged their crime was not ‘excusable’, but added: “We should not deny who they are today in their 50s.”
She concluded the op-ed with: “With their case back in the spotlight — and considering the revelation of a 1988 letter from Erik to his cousin describing the abuse — my hope is that Erik and Lyle Menendez’s life sentences are reconsidered.”
Gascon indicated that the review might lead to resentencing or a new trial.
A hearing is scheduled for November 26 to further address the case.
If you’re affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800.656.HOPE (4673) around the clock. Alternatively, you can visit online.rainn.org for online chat support.