Kim Kardashian, along with her mother Kris Jenner and sister Khloe Kardashian, recently visited Erik and Lyle Menendez at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, amid controversy surrounding Netflix’s newly-released Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents in 1996 and have been serving life sentences since.
Kardashian’s visit is part of her ongoing work in criminal justice reform, which has been a significant focus for her in recent years. Accompanying her were actor Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik Menendez in the Netflix series, and producer Scott Budnick. The group reportedly discussed prison reform initiatives, including “Greenspace,” a program aimed at beautifying prison yards to help rehabilitate inmates, which the Menendez brothers have been involved in while incarcerated.
The timing of Kardashian’s visit comes amid backlash from Erik Menendez regarding the portrayal of the brothers in the Netflix series. Erik released a statement calling the show “vile and appalling” and criticized its portrayal of the abuse they claim to have suffered at the hands of their father. He expressed frustration that the series undermines decades of progress in raising awareness of male sexual abuse and childhood trauma. Show creator Ryan Murphy responded by stating that much of the show centers on the brothers’ abuse and victimization, giving them a platform to share their experiences.
Despite this controversy, Kardashian, known for her efforts in advocating for prison reform and exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals, remains focused on her work in transforming the prison system and assisting inmates with rehabilitation. Her visit highlights her continued dedication to criminal justice, even in the midst of public disputes surrounding the portrayal of high-profile cases like that of the Menendez brothers.
