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With the recent release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, the controversial case of the Menéndez brothers has once again sparked public interest and debate. Nathan Lane, who portrays journalist Dominick Dunne in the series, shared his perspective, stating that the Menéndez brothers “deserve” a new trial after serving 35 years in prison. In an interview with PEOPLE, Lane noted that the attention surrounding the series could potentially work in the brothers’ favor, as contemporary juries might have a different understanding of issues related to physical and emotional abuse.
Lane reflected on the public perception of the Menéndez brothers during their trials in the 1990s, recalling how they were initially viewed primarily as murderers due to their dishonesty and lavish spending following the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menéndez. He emphasized that today’s jury may consider the complexities of their upbringing and circumstances differently, which could lead to a reassessment of their case.
The Menéndez brothers faced their first trial in 1993, which ended in a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous decision. They were later found guilty in a 1995 retrial and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
While Erik Menéndez recently criticized the portrayal of his brother Lyle in the series, claiming it spread misinformation and presented a dishonest depiction of their family tragedies, Nathan Lane responded by clarifying that Monsters is a dramatization rather than a documentary.
The Netflix series features Cooper Koch as Erik and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle, with Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny portraying their parents. The series aims to delve into the complex emotional and psychological dynamics of the Menéndez family, a narrative that continues to resonate with audiences and provoke discussion about justice and abuse.