Kim Kardashian Pens Essay Demanding Erik and Lyle Menendez Be Freed From Prison Amid the Release of 'Monsters'
The Skims founder hopes new evidence and a resentencing is considered in the 35-year-old case.
Amid new interest in the Erik and Lyle Menendez case following the release of Netflix's Monsters, Kim Kardashian is using her platform to call for their release from prison.
After recently visiting the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents Kitty and José in 1989 where they are incarcerated, Kardashian has penned an essay in which she expressed her "hope" in that their "life sentences are reconsidered."
On October 3, the Skims founder published an op-ed on NBCNews demanding that the case be reevaluated. She wrote of how the trial was mishandled, how "the media turned the brothers into monsters and sensationalized eye candy," and argued that the abuse and molestation Lyle and Erik experienced led to the killings and would have been seen differently today.
Kardashian wrote, "Following years of abuse and a real fear for their lives, Erik and Lyle chose what they thought at the time was their only way out—an unimaginable way to escape their living nightmare."
"I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters," she continued. "They are kind, intelligent, and honest men. In prison, they both have exemplary disciplinary records. They have earned multiple college degrees, worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals in hospice, and been mentors in college programs—committed to giving back to others. When I visited the prison three weeks ago, one of the wardens told me he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors."
The reality TV star/entrepreneur also explained that 24 members of the Menendez family released statements in support of Erik and Lyle shortly after Ryan Murphy's controversial series debuted on Netflix on September 19.
Kardashian wrote, "I don’t believe that spending their entire natural lives incarcerated was the right punishment for this complex case. Had this crime been committed and trialed today, I believe the outcome would have been dramatically different. I also strongly believe that they were denied a fair second trial and that the exclusion of crucial abuse evidence denied Erik and Lyle the opportunity to fully present their case, further undermining the fairness of their conviction."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"We owe it to those little boys who lost their childhoods, who never had a chance to be heard, helped or saved," she concluded.
Kardashian's open letter comes less than two weeks after she visited Erik and Lyle on September 21 at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional facility in San Diego, California, just days after Monsters hit the streamer.
On October 4, it was announced that there has been progress in the 35-year-old case. According to CNN, L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón said the office plans to review new evidence, which includes a letter written by Erik about the alleged abuse. A hearing has been set for November 29, which could ultimately lead to a resentencing.
Sadie Bell is the Senior Culture Editor at Marie Claire, where she edits, writes, and helps to ideate stories across movies, TV, books, and music, from interviews with talent to pop culture features and trend stories. She has a passion for uplifting rising stars, and a special interest in cult-classic movies, emerging arts scenes, and music. She has over eight years of experience covering pop culture and her byline has appeared in Billboard, Interview Magazine, NYLON, PEOPLE, Rolling Stone, Thrillist and other outlets.
-
Why 'American Primeval' Could Still Return for Season 2, Even After Its Brutal Ending
The Netflix Western would hardly be the first limited series to come back.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
Queen Letizia Cried in Public During Emotional Farewell to Her Daughter
Pass the tissues, please.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' Nicknames
A royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
'American Primeval' Season 2: Everything We Know
The Netflix Western would hardly be the first limited series to come back.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
A Netflix Series Adaptation of Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' Series Is Confirmed: What We Know
Could this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meet the Cast of 'Americal Primeval'
Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin led the gritty miniseries about a family's trek across the American West in 1857.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
Meet the Traitors in 'The Traitors' Season 3 Cast
The producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
When Does Season 3 of 'The Traitors' Come Out? What to Know About the Peacock Reality Show's Release Schedule
Clear your calendar for a weekly dose of treachery and Alan Cumming quips.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meet the Cast of 'The Traitors' Season 3
Now taking bets on who will make it to the final Round Table.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meet 'Selling the City' Star Jordyn Taylor Braff: What to Know About Her Career Trajectory and Dating History
She even had a surprising career path before joining Douglas Elliman.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'Selling the City' Season 2: Everything We Know
Surely we haven't seen the last of Eleonora Srugo's Douglas Elliman team and their luxurious listings!
By Quinci LeGardye Published