EntertainmentKim Kardashian reignites debate over Menendez brothers' fate

Kim Kardashian reignites debate over Menendez brothers' fate

Kim Kardashian is demanding the release of the Menendez brothers from prison.
Kim Kardashian is demanding the release of the Menendez brothers from prison.
Images source: © Getty Images, Instagram

12:26 PM EDT, October 5, 2024

The Menendez brothers, sentenced to life without parole, have come into the spotlight again following the release of a series detailing their dramatic story. Kim Kardashian sparked a lively debate on her Instagram profile, convinced that the incarcerated brothers should be exonerated from all charges.

In the second half of September, Netflix released the second part of the anthology "Monsters," which began with the story of Jeffrey Dahmer. This time, the creators of this chilling series, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, drew from the notorious 1989 case. The series, referencing this unimaginable family tragedy, became a significant hit, reaching the top of the most-watched chart in 56 countries.

The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik Menendez, sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, spent over two decades in separate prisons. Their first meeting after many years took place in 2018. Imprisoned in one of the facilities in San Diego, they previewed the new Netflix hit, accusing its creators of depicting a version of events that strayed from the truth and presenting a "dishonest portrayal" of the elder brother. In agreement with the leaders of streaming services, they decided to appear in a documentary film, which will premiere next week.

Kim Kardashian personally met the Menendez brothers

The exceptionally popular celebrity clearly remembers one of the most high-profile criminal trials of the last decade of the 20th century. Riding on the production's popularity, she revisited this controversial case. The 43-year-old wrote on Instagram with full conviction that the Menendez brothers should be freed. As she admitted, they were "victims."

Many people believe the crimes the brothers committed are unforgivable — but what about the decades of alleged abuse they suffered as children? - Kim Kardashian rhetorically questioned on her profile.

The mother of four recently visited the Menendez brothers in the correctional facility. She admitted to being greatly impressed by their behavior. "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."

I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent, and honest men - she argued.

Kim Kardashian also added that "I don’t believe that spending their entire natural lives incarcerated was the right punishment for this complex case." Demanding the release of the Menendez brothers, she also highlighted that under the current judicial system, they wouldn't be judged so harshly. Many internet users expressed amazement at the celebrity's attempt to justify their heinous act.

These boys were adults then. They could have left and made a life for themselves without their parents, just like many people do; Leave them where they belong; Don’t get involved, it wasn’t like you think; OK, in that case, free them and take them to your house. Let them be around your kids - commenters wrote, disgusted with her arguments.

There were others who shared Kardashian's opinion.

When the series came out, I told my partner that Kim would try to free those brothers. I wasn’t disappointed; I didn’t think I'd write this, but I agree with Kim; It's wonderful that you see the good in everyone, Free them!; Please, help them - appealed those looking at the case from a completely different perspective.

Who do you think is right in this debate?

Menendez Brothers
Menendez Brothers© Getty Images | Donaldson Collection
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian© Getty Images | 2024 Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
SF.Mend#2.1211.BYVan NuysDefense attorney Barry Levin (cq) (at left) points to diagram which shows the study on the first floor of the Menendez' Beverly Hills home as defendant Erik Menendez (cq) watches. Erik said his father always used the study for "serious" conversations . During trial of Menendez brothers in Van Nuys Superior Court. Boris Yaro/LAT.Pool PHoto.
SF.Mend#2.1211.BYVan NuysDefense attorney Barry Levin (cq) (at left) points to diagram which shows the study on the first floor of the Menendez' Beverly Hills home as defendant Erik Menendez (cq) watches. Erik said his father always used the study for "serious" conversations . During trial of Menendez brothers in Van Nuys Superior Court. Boris Yaro/LAT.Pool PHoto.© GETTY | Boris Yaro
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Kim Kardashian is seen on April 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Kim Kardashian is seen on April 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)© GETTY | Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 9:  Celebrity Kim Kardashian attends a game between the Lakers and Warriors at Crypto.com Arena Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 9: Celebrity Kim Kardashian attends a game between the Lakers and Warriors at Crypto.com Arena Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)© GETTY | Wally Skalij