Monsters producer stands by Netflix series, describes it as "Grounded in Facts" amidst Erik Menendez's backlash

A still from Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story | Image Source: Netflix
A still from Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story | Image Source: Netflix

The producer of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story David McMillan spoke up amid Erik Menendez’s backlash about the docuseries’ authenticity. McMillan cleared the air via a statement in an interview with Variety dated September 21, 2024.

The producer clarifies that events and facts were undoubtedly true and unfiltered. Empathizing with the Menendez brothers' case he said,

“We are talking about real people…Many of them are still alive. We Want to make sure that our narrative is grounded in the facts.”

Furthermore, McMillan discussed the Monsters team’s vision by presenting the Menendez brothers’ story to viewers saying,

“We wanted to present a lot of different points of view, and then let the audience sort of decide what to take.”

However, McMillan wasn’t the only one who defended the authenticity of the Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The show’s actors and director Ryan Murphy each stated to Variety, backing McMillan’s words.

Actors Javier Bardem (Jose Menendez) and Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Lyle Menendez) discussed their perspectives on the show’s embodiment of the case.

Bardem claimed the series strongly emphasized the aftermath of trauma which needs to be “properly addressed and healed.” Similarly, Chavez recalled one of the many primary reasons the case caused an uproar for nearly a decade.

Speaking to Variety regarding the Netflix show he said,

“This show creates such conflicting emotions. I think that’s what has made this case so compelling for so long.”

Both actors playing the Menendez brothers have spent hours fueling themselves with knowledge about the case, from listening to interview tapes to reading articles, books, and documentaries about it.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article contain mentions of sexual abuse. Reader discretion is advised.


What were Erik and Tammi Menendez’s comments about Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story?

McMillan’s comments emerge after enduring heavy criticism from both Erik Menendez and his family, especially about an alleged incestuous relationship between the brothers.

In a separate statement, Erik and his wife Tammie expressed their sentiments about the Netflix series describing the narrative as “horrible and blatant lies.” Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Tammi shared a lengthy statement ranting about the show at the behest of her husband. She said,

“I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show…”

Tammie continued to voice Erik’s disgruntlement and pain on the alleged inaccuracies of the Netflix series depicting the crimes and events. Erik recalled an era when sexual abuse of males followed by experiencing trauma differently than women was still taboo.

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Furthermore, they beckoned for allowing “the truth to stand as truth.” Tammy and Erik concluded their statement with a final solemn remark and a token of gratitude to the people who’ve reached out since the show’s release saying,

“I hope it is never forgotten that violence against a child creates a hundred horrendous and silent crime scenes darkly shadowed behind glitter and glamour and rarely exposed until tragedy penetrates everyone involved.”

All 9 episodes of Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story are now streaming on Netflix!

Come back to Soapcentral for more updates!

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Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma