Kim Kardashian visited Erik and Lyle Menendez just days after the premiere of Ryan Murphy’s latest installment in the “Monster” anthology series.
According to a source speaking to PEOPLE, Kardashian, 43, and Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik in the Netflix series, spent time at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego on Saturday, September 21. The Menendez brothers have been incarcerated there since 1996, when they were sentenced to life in prison for the murders of their parents. Kardashian and Koch met with the brothers to discuss the Green Space project, an initiative by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation aimed at reducing recidivism rates by creating a prison environment that mirrors life outside.
Kim Kardashian has emerged as a significant figure in the movement for prison reform since 2018, leveraging her celebrity status to raise awareness and advocate for systemic changes within the criminal justice system. Recently, her advocacy took center stage following the release of the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which explores the infamous case of the Menendez brothers.
Kardashian’s journey into criminal justice reform began in earnest when she discovered the story of Alice Johnson on X (formerly Twitter) in October 2017. Johnson was serving a life sentence for a non-violent drug offense, and Kardashian’s subsequent efforts led to her release in June 2020. This landmark case showcased the potential for reform in cases involving low-level drug offenders, and it marked the beginning of Kardashian’s advocacy in this arena.
In May 2019, Kardashian negotiated the release of another low-level drug offender and has since met with numerous individuals impacted by harsh sentencing laws. One of those individuals was Momolu Stewart, a former inmate who served 22 years for murder. Through these meetings, Kardashian has aimed to bring attention to the need for more humane treatment of prisoners and the importance of rehabilitation.
Kardashian has also taken her advocacy to the highest levels of government. She has visited the White House multiple times to discuss prison reform initiatives, including a recent roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris in April 2024. These discussions are part of her ongoing efforts to effect change within the legal system.
In July 2024, Kardashian met with Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was released from prison in December 2023 after serving over eight years for her role in the death of her abusive mother. The two discussed the potential for legal reforms and how Blanchard, who has become a prominent advocate for victims of abuse, could influence the conversation surrounding criminal justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
While Kardashian’s advocacy has garnered significant attention, it is not without controversy. The release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has reignited discussions about the portrayal of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. Erik, now 53, and Lyle, 56, were tried three times for the murders and have long claimed they suffered severe abuse at the hands of their parents.
In the Netflix series, Cooper Koch portrays Erik Menendez, while Nicholas Chavez plays Lyle Menendez. The series also features acclaimed actors Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as their parents. Following the premiere of the show on September 19, Erik released a statement on Lyle’s Facebook page, condemning the series for its portrayal of him and his brother.
“I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show,” Erik stated. “It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent.”
Erik’s statement reflects the deep emotional scars stemming from their troubled childhood and the subsequent trauma they have endured. He lamented that the show’s portrayal represents a regression in public understanding of childhood trauma, particularly concerning male victims. “It is sad for me to know that Netflix’s dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime has taken the painful truths several steps backward,” he wrote.
In a powerful conclusion, Erik called for truth to prevail over sensationalism, urging that the narrative surrounding their lives should not be distorted by those in positions of power. “How demoralizing is it to know that one man with power can undermine decades of progress in shedding light on childhood trauma?” he questioned.
Representatives for Ryan Murphy and Netflix have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Erik’s accusations. As Kardashian continues her advocacy for reform, the juxtaposition of her efforts against the backdrop of controversial portrayals of complex criminal cases like that of the Menendez brothers serves to highlight the ongoing challenges within both the entertainment and legal systems.
ADVERTISEMENT
Kardashian’s involvement in these issues reflects a growing recognition of the importance of personal stories in advocating for systemic change, and it remains to be seen how these narratives will evolve in the public consciousness.
