The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, became infamous in the early 1990s after being convicted of the brutal murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The case attracted the nation for many years. Various TV shows and documentaries have depicted their story. Many of these stories have been criticized for the false information often destroying the reality of the brothers lives and the circumstances from the case. The brothers claim that the shows and documentaries are full of “Blatant Lies.”
One of the most important false information in the media is the Menendez family’s lifestyle. Multiple shows have exaggerated the wealth and luxury in which the brothers grew up painting a perfect picture. While the Menendez family was wealthy, with Jose being a successful entertainment executive, the reality of their home life was far from normal. The brothers have claims that their father was abusive, both physically and emotionally, and that their mother was mentally unstable. These claims were a main part of their defense during the trial, yet many media sources have ignored these allegations, focusing on how Erik and Lyle want their inheritance from Jose and Kitty.
The Menendez brothers story is in their view of the trial and the public’s reaction to it. Many people believe that the brothers’ defense strategy of claiming abuse was seen as a desperate and unbelieve attempt to avoid the punishment that they were going to face. The first trial ended in a hung jury, with many jurors believing the brothers claims of abuse. It wasn’t until the second trial that the brothers were convicted. This aspect of the case is often hidden in the media. These shows have contributed to a very different public perception of the brothers and their actions.
