The Menendez brothers are receiving fresh backing from social media icon Kim Kardashian.
The WeIMS founder, recognized for her advocacy in prison reform, has called for the release of the Menendez brothers through an op-ed featured in NBC News. This personal essay, titled “Kim Kardashian States It’s Time for the Menendez Brothers to Be Freed,”was published on October 4, 2024.
Kardashian’s essay was released almost two weeks after her visit with Erik and Lyle Menendez at the Richard J. Donovan Correction Facility in San Diego County on September 21, 2024. She was accompanied by actor Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik Menendez in the recently launched Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
What Did Kim Kardashian Say About the Menendez Brothers in Her Essay?
Kardashian articulated in her essay that the criminal justice system failed the Menendez brothers by neglecting the sexual abuse they endured from their father. She noted that while their crimes are “not excusable,”they did not receive “the right punishment for this complex case”and expressed hope that their life sentences would be “reconsidered.”
She further cited that “preconceived judgments and homophobia” resulting from a lack of knowledge regarding male sexual abuse survivors and trauma contributed to their mistrial. Kardashian defended the Menendez brothers’ behavior in prison, asserting:
“I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent, and honest men. In prison, they both have exemplary disciplinary records. They have earned multiple college degrees, worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals in hospice, and been mentors in college programs — committed to giving back to others.”
She continued:
“When I visited the prison three weeks ago, one of the wardens told me he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors. Twenty-four family members, including their parents’ siblings, have released statements fully supporting Lyle and Erik and have respectfully requested that the justice system free them.”
What Is the Real Story Behind the Menendez Brothers Case?
The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents and underwent two separate trials. In their first trial, they claimed they were sexually abused by their father, with allegations of their mother enabling the abuse. Although two of their cousins corroborated their accusations, the trials resulted in deadlocked juries.
The second trial excluded the sexual abuse claims and led to the jury convicting the brothers of first-degree murder. In 1996, they received life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The sensational case of the Menendez brothers has once again captured media attention following the release of Ryan Murphy’s limited series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, in September 2024. Moreover, Netflix is scheduled to unveil a documentary titled The Menendez Brothers on October 7, 2024.
This renewed interest has prompted positive developments. On October 3, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office would reexamine new evidence related to their case.
The new evidence includes a recently discovered letter that Erik had written to his cousin in 1988, where he detailed his alleged sexual abuse by their father. Gascón acknowledged that sexual assault matters would be approached with more sensitivity if they occurred today. According to Variety, a new hearing regarding their sentencing is slated for November 29, 2024.
Readers interested in the case can view Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix.
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