Netflix viewers outraged at 'incest' storyline in new Monsters series after learning true story behind it

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.

Viewers of Netflix's latest addition to the Monsters series are hitting out at director Ryan Murphy for including several controversial scenes which they argue have been wildly misinterpreted from the true case that inspired the show.

The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story landed on the streaming service on Thursday (19 September), and has since left viewers divided.

The true story of the Menendez brothers

The eight-part series tells the heartbreaking true story of Beverly Hills brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez who, back in 1989, violently murdered their parents José and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menendez at their home following years of sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

The couple were shot at their home a total of 16 times with a gauge shot gun, but police only began to suspect the brothers after they began spending their inheritance extravagantly.

Their harrowing case became a national sensation when Court TV opted to broadcast their entire trial, during which the brothers claimed their father José had sexually assaulted them for years.

The brothers also claimed their mother Kitty was an alcoholic and drug addict who enabled her husband's alleged abuse despite knowing about it.

Lyle and Erik were ultimately found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

Lyle and Erik Menendez murdered their parents in 1989 (Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images)

Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Last month, it was announced that Netflix's follow-up to the already popular Monsters series - which first aired in 2022, centring on the killings of Jeffrey Dahmer, played by Evan Peters - would focus on the Menendez brothers.

No Country for Old Men actor Javier Bardem and American Horror Story favourite Chloë Sevigny took on the roles of José and 'Kitty' Menendez, while newcomers Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch played their sons.

Despite only having landed a matter of hours ago, the true-crime recreation has amassed a controversial reception.

While the haunting series has left some viewers sickened, others have heaped praise upon the actors who they said covered the subject sensitively.

Backlash over 'incestuous' storyline

One aspect of the show which has caused the most criticism, however, is the apparent inclusion of an 'incestuous' relationship between Erik and Lyle.

The Netflix series has left viewers heartbroken (Netflix)

In episode two alone, Lyle can be seen planting a kiss on his brother's lips while the pair discuss their parents' will.

In several other scenes littered throughout the series, the brothers are displayed as enjoying an intimate relationship, and are often seen with their hands on one another.

Since then, viewers have slammed director Ryan Murphy - famed for his gruesome hits American Horror Story, The Assassination of Giovanni Versace - for implying an actively sexual relationship between the pair.

"They made the Menéndez Brothers story into a incest relationship - F**K this s**t," one viewer hit out on social media this week.

Another added: "Joining the chorus of people outraged by how this Netflix show is portraying the Menendez Brothers. I know I’m only on ep 2, but I really don’t like how this is going. What is this???"

"IDK this particular season seems like such a slap to the face to the Menendez brothers and it makes me sad for them," a third went on.

The series implies Lyle and Erik enjoyed an 'incestuous' relationship (MILES CRIST/NETFLIX - © 2024 Netflix, Inc.)

"Was hoping Ryan and the rest of the crew would bring some type of justice to them. This incestuous stuff in the show is disrespectful asf."

A fourth hit out: "Why would he do this when the Menendez brother are victims of child sexual exploitation and non consensual incest"

What is the truth?

While no one will ever know the nature of the Menendez brothers' relations, whilst appearing in court back in 1994, Lyle did admit to sexually assaulting Erik when the pair were younger.

Claiming he'd learnt to do so from his father - who was said to have been abusing the pair since they were as young as six - Lyle broke down in tears and apologised for his actions.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.