What is the controversy around Netflix's Menendez drama?

The Netflix drama titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has stirred up quite a bit of controversy since its release last week. This show tells the story of two brothers, Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. The series quickly climbed to the top of Netflix's streaming charts, showcasing the ongoing fascination with true crime stories. The show features actors Cooper Koch and Nicholas Chavez as the Menendez brothers, while Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny portray their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The series is created by Ryan Murphy, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, famous for his work on shows like Glee and American Horror Story. The tragic events surrounding the Menendez brothers began on August 20, 1989, when they shot their parents multiple times in their Beverly Hills mansion. At the time, Lyle was 21 years old and Erik was just 18. Initially, the brothers claimed they discovered their parents dead upon returning home. However, they were later put on trial for the murders. Their first trials ended in a mistrial, as the juries could not reach a unanimous decision. During their second trial, the brothers argued that they acted in self-defense due to years of alleged abuse from their parents. They claimed they feared for their lives after threatening to expose their father's abusive behavior. On the other hand, the prosecution contended that the brothers killed their parents to inherit their wealth. The judge in their second trial did not allow evidence of the alleged abuse to be presented, which ultimately led to their conviction for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Netflix series aims to present the story from various perspectives, exploring the events leading up to the tragic murders. It delves into the brothers' claims of abuse while also attempting to provide insight into the parents' viewpoint. The creators of the show have stated that they conducted extensive research to portray both sides of the story accurately. Monsters was released on September 19 and quickly became a hit on Netflix, a platform known for its true crime content. However, the show has faced criticism from various reviewers. Some have described it as 'exhausting and repetitive,' while others have labeled it a 'messy, salacious slog. ' Critics argue that despite the compelling subject matter and strong performances, the show lacks a clear direction and ultimately devolves into a retelling of horrific events without offering any new insights. Erik Menendez, one of the brothers currently serving time in prison, expressed his discontent with the series shortly after its release. He referred to it as 'disheartening slander' and criticized the portrayal of himself and his brother. Erik stated that he believed the show perpetuated false narratives and created a distorted image of their lives. He expressed sadness over the fact that Netflix's portrayal of their story seemed to regress the understanding of male victims of abuse, suggesting that the show ignored the progress made in acknowledging such experiences. Ryan Murphy, the show's creator, responded to Erik's comments by noting that it was interesting for him to issue a statement without having seen the show. Murphy emphasized that a significant portion of the series focuses on the brothers' claims of abuse and that they aimed to present their story with care. He also highlighted the importance of including the parents' perspective, stating that storytelling requires considering all viewpoints, especially in a case involving four individuals, two of whom are deceased. Murphy acknowledged the sensitivity of the subject matter and the challenges of portraying such complex narratives.