Celebrities who have been outspoken in their support of the Menendez brothers

Erik Menendez And Lyle Menendez have built a large group of supporters following their infamous murder trial – and their followers include high-profile celebrities.

Erik and Lyle were originally arrested in 1990 for two counts of first-degree murder after their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, were found dead in their own home in Beverly Hills. Two consecutive trials resulted in Erik and Lyle's convictions and life sentences without the possibility of parole. The brothers, meanwhile, have claimed that their mother and father were physically, emotionally and sexually abusive and that their actions were in self-defense.

The murder case has gained renewed attention since the release of Ryan Murphy's Netflix series Monsterwhich offered a dramatized new look at the high-profile murder case. In the series Nicholas Alexander Chavez portrayed Lyle Cooper Koch played a dramatized version of Erik. Meanwhile, José and Kitty were portrayed by Javier Bardem And Chloe Sevignyrespectively.

Koch remains a strong supporter of Erik and Lyle's release.

“You have done so many great things in prison. Erik teaches meditation. He teaches speaking classes. They’re both incredible people,” he said The Hollywood Reporter in September 2024. “I think back then people just didn't believe that sexual abuse between men was something to believe in, and the easier pill to swallow was that they killed their parents for money.” But now, after so long, I think people are more open to understanding that something like this happened.”

Not everyone was willing to publicly side with the brothers. Koch's co-star Chavez insightfully explained why he decided to take a step back Vanity Fair A month later: “A big part of being an artist, at least in my opinion, is having the grace to get into a character or a role and then releasing it when you're done with it.” I think a big part The next phase of my artistic creation is recognizing when it is time to release the role.”

He continued, “I came to a really unique conclusion, but I also came to the conclusion that I don't really want to share this with anyone and that I really want to keep this part of my art and my interpretation for myself.” himself.”

One month after the release of MonsterLos Angeles District Attorney George Gascon announced that a new hearing has been scheduled based on new evidence in Lyle and Erik's murder case. Other celebrities, such as Sunny Hostin And Kim Kardashianhave continued to publicly show their support as the brothers await news on their future:

Sunny Hostin

Hostin reflected on the high-profile murder case after previously serving as an assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office.

“Imagine being a child living in your parents' house and being abused from the age of six to 18,” Hostin said on The View in October 2024. “You can be abused in your bedroom, you can be abused in the bathroom. You can be abused anywhere in your home where you should feel safe.”

Hostin recalled prosecuting various criminal cases, including sexual assault and domestic violence cases.

“Rape remains the most underreported crime in our country, at about 3 percent among women,” Hostin continued. “Imagine how many men and boys are raped and go unreported. And so we were behind in 1997, and I saw a sea change in people now realizing that this kind of trauma is very difficult when you're being sexually abused by someone who you trust and who's supposed to protect you, like for example, a parent.”

Rosie O'Donnell

O'Donnell first came into contact with Lyle when she publicly supported her Larry King Live in 1996. The eldest Menéndez brother wrote her a letter at the time.

“It basically said, ‘I know you know. And I hope we can connect,” O'Donnell recalled in a June 2023 TikTok video. She didn't respond out of fear and because she “wasn't ready to broach the subject.”

O'Donnell revisited the topic after watching Peacock's documentary series Menendez + Menudo: Betrayed Boys where former boy band member Roy Rosello accused José of drugging and assaulting him. Shortly thereafter, she visited Erik and Lyle Menendez at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and became friends with them.

“I saw Lyle and hugged him,” she said diversity in October 2024. “Then Erik came to me, hugged me and whispered in my ear, 'Thank you for loving my brother.' It was very, very moving for me.”

O'Donnell maintains a close friendship with Lyle, Erik and their loved ones.

“We talk a lot,” she continued. “I told them that with the fading fame I have, I would do what I could to shed light on their story.”

Kim Kardashian

The reality star, who has advocated for prison reform, visited the Menéndez brothers at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility just days after the release of Murphy's series “Monsters.” Kardashian then wrote a personal essay advocating for her release.

“I spent time with Lyle and Erik; They are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent and honest men. Both have had exemplary disciplinary records in prison,” she wrote for NBC News in October 2024. “They have earned multiple college degrees, worked as hospice caregivers for elderly incarcerated people, and served as mentors in college programs—with the goal of giving back to others.” When I visited the prison three weeks ago, one of the guards told me that he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors.”

Kardashian continued: “I do not believe that spending her entire natural life in prison was the appropriate punishment for this complex case. “If this crime had been committed and tried today, I believe the outcome would have been completely different.”

Erik and Lyle received a new hearing for their case that same month after the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office presented new evidence indicating that their father had allegedly abused them.

Cooper Koch

Koch has been open about his bond with Lyle and Erik after playing the younger Menéndez brother Monster. The actor has since expressed his support for the brothers, which he said he gave years before taking on the role. Koch also dismissed possible backlash after publicly stating he believed in the Menéndez brothers.

“I feel really calm. And I know where I stand. I know what my viewpoint is, and that viewpoint is consistent with all the people on TikTok who support her,” he said Vanity Fair in October 2024. “I know that I did everything I could to support her in my performance, to advocate for her and to portray her as authentically as possible.” And when people criticize it, I know that I “I did everything I could.”

Gypsy Rose Blanchard

After she was arrested for her mother's murder, Clauddine “Dee Dee” BlanchardGypsy served seven years in prison. Dee Dee was found dead with multiple stab wounds in her Missouri home in June 2015 at the age of 48. Gypsy, who was released from prison in December 2023, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. She was granted parole in September 2023 before being released.

Gypsy used her experience behind bars to give Erik and Lyle some advice.

“It's very difficult to come into a world that has changed so much even in the time I spent (in prison) … I would say take your time, you know, adjust properly Blanchard told TMZ in October 2024. “And get therapy because you need it in this world (and this age).”

Blanchard, who admitted she was “not very educated” on the Menéndez case, added: “I'm an advocate for abuse victims in general and I care about prison reform, so … if the case is reviewed, then hopefully something will happen.” happen.” Victims of abuse need to be more represented.”