Ryan Murphy Responds to Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Backlash

Ryan Murphy responds to the backlash the second season of Monsters received upon its release on Thursday, September 19. Titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the true crime series centers on the case of real-life brothers who were convicted for the murders of their parents.

The longtime television producer shared his reaction to the backlash his new true crime series has received, especially Erik Menendez’s criticism towards the show’s portrayal of his older brother, Lyle Menendez. 

What did Ryan Murphy say about Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story criticism?

“I know he hasn’t watched the show, so I find that curious,” Ryan told E! News of Erik’s criticism of the series. “I know this for a fact. I hope he does watch it. I think if he did watch it, he would be incredibly proud of Cooper Koch, who plays him.”

Murphy added, “I think the show is very interesting — what we’re trying to do is show many, many, many, many perspectives. In every episode, you are given a new theory based on people who were either involved or covered the case.”

Koch (Swallowed, They/Them) played Erik in the series, while General Hospital alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez played Lyle. Meanwhile, Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny portrayed José and Kitty Menendez, respectively. 

“We know how it ended. We know two people were brutally shot. Our view and what we wanted to do was present you all the facts and have you do two things: make up your own mind about who’s innocent, who’s guilty, and who’s the monster, and also have a conversation about something that’s never talked about in our culture, which is male sexual abuse, which we do responsibly,” said Murphy. 

He then pointed out that “60 to 65% of the show centers around Erik and Lyle Menendez talking about their abuse, talking about their victimization, talking about what it emotionally put them through,” adding that the two subjects got “their moment in court, and then so then some.”

The series is a follow-up to Murphy’s Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which was also widely criticized especially by the family of the titular serial killer’s victims for profiting off the tragic, harrowing story. 

“I’m used to this. I write about provocative things and controversial things, and my motto is ‘never complain and never explain,’” the producer said.

The interview comes after Erik’s wife, Tammi Menendez, shared Erik’s sentiments on the new show. Both Lyle and Erik are currently serving life sentences after being convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty.