In an op-ed published on October 3, 2024, by NBC News, Kim Kardashian expressed her thoughts that Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murder of their parents, should be released from prison.
Her opinions regarding the Menendez brothers' case came at a time when Los Angeles prosecutors are reviewing new evidence related to the murders of their parents over 35 years ago.
Kim Kardashian explained that the Menendez brothers' case was far more complicated than it seemed, noting that both Lyle and Erik claimed they were subjected to years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by their parents. She wrote:
“The first trial was televised for all to see, and Erik and Lyle’s case became entertainment for the nation, their suffering and stories of abuse ridiculed in skits on ‘Saturday Night Live.’”
She continued:
“The media turned the brothers into monsters and sensationalized eye candy — two arrogant, rich kids from Beverly Hills who killed their parents out of greed. There was no room for empathy, let alone sympathy.”
Lyle stated that the abuse started when he was just six years old and claimed his father raped him for a long time. Kim Kardashian wrote that after enduring years of abuse and fearing for their lives, the two brothers believed that their only escape from their horrific situation was through an unimaginable action.
During their first trial, two separate juries heard their case, one for each brother. Their defense centered around claims of abuse, with family members testifying in their support. As a result, more than half of the 24 jurors voted not guilty on the murder charges, leading to deadlocked juries and mistrials.
Kim Kardashian wrote that the Menendez brothers were not ‘monsters’
According to Kim Kardashian, Erik and Lyle were denied a fair trial at a time when resources for sexual abuse victims, especially boys, were scarce. Support systems for survivors were nearly nonexistent, and the public had little understanding of male sexual abuse, often influenced by prejudice and homophobia.
Moreover, it is difficult to imagine the justice system would have treated them the same if they had been the Menendez sisters. Despite extensive family testimony confirming the abuse they endured, public skepticism persisted.
The brothers, robbed of their childhoods by their parents, were then denied any chance at freedom by a justice system more focused on punishment. Kim Kardashian wrote:
“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.”
Kim Kardashian also wrote that during a visit to the prison three weeks ago, a warden mentioned that he would feel at ease having Lyle and Erik as neighbors.
Additionally, 24 family members, including their parents' siblings, had publicly expressed full support for the brothers and respectfully urged the justice system to grant them their freedom.
Trending
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that the brothers' attorneys requested a court to overturn their conviction. The incident got more attention after Netflix began streaming Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story in September 2024.
Reply
