Netflix's Monsters branded "dishonest portrayal" by the real Erik Menéndez

Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story has been condemned for its "dishonest portrayal" by the real Erik Menéndez.

The second season of Ryan Murphy's true crime anthology centres around the titular brothers, who were convicted of the murder of their parents, José and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menéndez.

Following the show's premiere on Netflix this week (September 19), Menéndez shared a statement on his wife Tammi's X (formerly Twitter) account, in which he branded the series a "naive and inaccurate" depiction.

"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," he said.

"I can only believe they were done so on purpose. 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.

"It is sad for me to know that Netflix's dishonest portrayal of the tragedies surrounding our crime have taken the painful truths several steps backward – back through time to an era when the prosecution built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experienced rape trauma differently than women.

"Those awful lies have been disrupted and exposed by countless brave victims over the last two decades who have broken through their personal shame and bravely spoken out."

Menéndez accused Murphy of misrepresenting his family though "vile and appalling" character portrayals and "disheartening slander".

"Is the truth not enough? Let the truth stand as the truth," the statement continued. "How demoralising to know that one man with power can undermine decades of progress in shedding light on childhood trauma. Violence is never an answer, never a solution, and is always tragic."

It concluded: "As such, I hope it is never forgotten that violence against a child creates a hundred horrendous and silent crime scenes darkly shadowed behind glitter and glamour and rarely exposed until tragedy penetrates everyone involved. To all those who have reached out and supported me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Digital Spy has reached out to Netflix and Ryan Murphy for comment.

After fatally shooting their parents in their Beverly Hills home in 1989, Erik and Lyle were found guilty of first-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The first season of Murphy's Monster anthology centred around notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The series was renewed for two more seasons that would focus on "other monstrous figures who have impacted society".

It's been confirmed that the third season will centre around serial killer Ed Gein, also known as the 'Butcher of Plainfield' – who will be played by Rebel Moon's Charlie Hunnam.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story is streaming on Netflix.

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.

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