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.
-
Taylor Swift Sweetly Dishes on Travis Kelce With a Young Swiftie at Children's Hospital
"I like Travis now," the fan shared.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
I Found the Most Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffers Your Friends Actually Want
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
32 Great TV Shows That Capture What We Love About Our Closest Friendships
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Best TV Shows About Friendship
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Are 'The Ultimatum' Season 3 Stars Caleb Lefterys and Mariah Zernik Still Together?
Could they be evidence of how the reality show's experiment is actually supposed to work?
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
National Labor Relations Board Says 'Love is Blind' Contestants Are Employees—a Move That Could Change Reality TV Forever
The labor practices on 'Love is Blind' are being questioned by a federal agency.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The 'No Good Deed' Cast: What to Know About the Stars and Characters in the Netflix Series
If you loved 'Dead to Me,' you'll want to watch this star-studded new Netflix comedy.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
Meet the Cast of 'Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die': Here's What to Know About the Contestants on the Korean Reality Show
If you're looking for a new reality series to binge, look no further than this Korean competition show on Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'Black Doves' Season 2: Everything We Know
After that cliffhanger, the Netflix series starring Keira Knightley could go anywhere.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Are 'The Ultimatum' Season 3 Stars Chanel Watkins and Micah Hardeman Still Together?
Fans are wondering whether Chanel is still "a girlfriend with a wife title."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Meet the Cast of 'Black Doves:' Your Guide to the Netflix Thriller Series
Everyone is going to be talking about this new Netflix thriller series.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated