Kim Kardashian stirs controversy over Menendez brothers' fate
The Menendez brothers, sentenced to life without parole, have come into the spotlight again following the release of a series detailing their dramatic story. Kim Kardashian sparked a lively debate on her Instagram profile, convinced that the incarcerated brothers should be exonerated from all charges.
In the second half of September, Netflix released the second part of the anthology "Monsters," which began with the story of Jeffrey Dahmer. This time, creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan focused on the notorious 1989 case. The series, which explores this harrowing family tragedy, became a major hit, reaching the top of the most-watched chart in 56 countries.
The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik Menendez, sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, have spent over two decades in separate prisons. Their first meeting after many years took place in 2018. While imprisoned in San Diego, they viewed the new Netflix hit and accused its creators of depicting a version of events that strayed from the truth, offering a "dishonest portrayal" of the older brother. In collaboration with the leaders of streaming services, they decided to appear in a documentary film, which will premiere next week.
Kim Kardashian personally met the Menendez brothers
The exceptionally popular celebrity clearly remembers one of the most high-profile criminal trials of the last decade of the 20th century. Riding on the production's popularity, she revisited this controversial case. The 43-year-old wrote on Instagram, fully convinced that the Menendez brothers should be freed. She asserted that they were "victims."
Many people believe the crimes the brothers committed are unforgivable — but what about the decades of alleged abuse they suffered as children? - rhetorically questioned Kim Kardashian on her profile.
The mother of four recently visited the Menendez brothers in the correctional facility. She admitted to being greatly impressed by their behaviour. "When I visited the prison three weeks ago, one of the wardens told me he would feel comfortable having them as neighbours. Twenty-four family members, including their parents’ siblings, have released statements fully supporting Lyle and Erik and have respectfully requested that the justice system free them."
I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent, and honest men - she argued.
Kim Kardashian also added that "I don’t believe that spending their entire natural lives incarcerated was the right punishment for this complex case." Calling for the release of the Menendez brothers, she highlighted that under the current judicial system, they wouldn't be judged so harshly. Many Internet users expressed amazement at the celebrity's attempt to justify their heinous act.
These boys were adults then. They could have left and made a life for themselves without their parents, just like many people do; Leave them where they belong; Don’t get involved, it wasn’t like you think; OK, in that case, free them and take them to your house. Let them be around your kids - wrote commenters, disgusted with her arguments.
However, others shared Kardashian's opinion.
When the series came out, I told my partner that Kim would try to free those brothers. I wasn’t disappointed; I didn’t think I'd write this, but I agree with Kim; It's wonderful that you see the good in everyone, Free them!; Please, help them - appealed those who view the case from a completely different perspective.
Who do you think is right in this debate?
