BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. – NOV. 30, 1989 – Menendez brothers, Erik, left, and Lyle on the steps of … [+] their Beverly Hills home in November, 1989. (Ronald L. Soble / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Safe to say, America’s hooked on Erik Galen Menendez and Joseph Lyle Menendez—AKA the Menendez brothers. So hooked, in fact, that I’m crowning them America’s top celebrity felons. Crime stories are nothing new, but a 35-year obsession with these bad boys of Beverly Hills? That’s worth studying.
Most recently, the Menendez brothers are back in the spotlight, sparking a news conference over a potential resentencing after over three decades of prison time for the brutal murder of their parents, Kitty Menendez and Jose Menendez.
In August 1989, the Menendez brothers shot their parents, up close and personal, 13 times in the den of their Beverly Hills mansion. The crime scene was reported as brutal. Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez initially claimed they found their wealthy parents dead but later confessed to the murders themselves.
Their reasoning? Both brothers said they had suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents—an explanation as stomach-turning as the murders themselves. Since then, the Menendez brothers have become a cultural phenomenon, a bona fide brand and the focus of countless movies, talk shows, documentaries, and news coverage. From ABC News to Fox News, outlets have dissected the tragic event and every stage of their lives since.
TRIAL OF BROTHERS LYLE & ERIK MENENDEZ, PARRICIDES (Photo by Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images)
Sygma via Getty Images
The media, it seems, never stopped obsessing over the Menendez brothers—and the Menendez brothers never stopped feeding the media from behind bars. In 2017, A&E aired The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All, a five-part documentary where Erik Menendez shared their allegations of abuse, how they were forced to keep the abuse secret, the crime of assault, and the murders themselves—all via phone interviews from prison. And in 1999, Erik Menendez’s marriage to Tammi Menendez made ‘Menendez marries’ headlines too, as if he were the first criminal to wed behind bars. Tammi Menendez went on to give her own media interviews on their romance.
This year alone, Netflix brought us two new shows about the Menendez brothers: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, produced by powerhouse Ryan Murphy—which itself made headlines when the Menendez brothers and Tammi Menendez publicly slammed it for being inaccurate—and a documentary that goes even deeper into their lives and the infamous crime of passion. Not to be outdone, social media icon Kim Kardashian recently took up the cause, visiting the brothers in prison and urging the public to reconsider their sentences. And let’s not forget TikTok, where a new generation is fueling a “Menendez Movement,” reviving interest in the case and keeping them squarely in the spotlight.
Javier Bardem, Cooper Koch, Nicholas Chavez, Ryan Murphy and Chloë Sevigny at Netflix’s “Monsters: … [+] The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” premiere held at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on September 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images)
Variety via Getty Images
What on earth? There’s no doubt in my mind that the Menendez brothers’ case is polarizing. Were they really the ultimate brats that the prosecution painted them to be (stealing the title from Charlie XCX’s Brat summer in Ibiza?) Did Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez really kill their parents for money so they could live the high life? I doubt it. Or was the crime of assault genuinely driven by the brothers defending themselves against years of harrowing abuse?
Whatever the truth, the case of America’s top celebrity felons has sparked essential and ongoing discussions about first-degree murder, financial gain, child abuse, sexual abuse, and complex family dynamics. At ages 21 and 18, Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez confessed to the fatal shots that ended their parents’ lives. They claimed their father, RCA Records executive Jose Menendez, subjected them to years of sexual abuse. When it came to trial time, these allegations of abuse were central to their defense attorney’s case, although many pieces of evidence regarding the abuse were deemed inadmissible. Ultimately, despite defense witnesses and the defense lawyers’ best efforts, there was insufficient proof to substantiate their abuse claims, and Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Now, as new admissible evidence surfaces backing the allegations of abuse against their father Jose Menendez—the Menendez brother’s life sentences are thankfully under renewed scrutiny, drawing public focus back to their trauma claims. Could it be that our long-standing media love affair with the most infamous brother’s of Beverly Hills is finally paying off? I hope so. The Menendez brothers’ tale is a chilling reminder that, in a world of endless media churn, some stories remain unforgettable.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 16: Attorney Mark Gregaros (L) speaks near family members … [+] including Joan Andersen VanderMolen (R), Kitty Menendez’ sister, at a press conference outside the Criminal Courts Building on October 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Members of Menendez’s family held the news conference to call for the release of brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez from prison nearly thirty years after their conviction in 1996 for killing their parents in Beverly Hills. The district attorney’s office is looking at new evidence which supports the brothers’ claim they were sexually abused by their father. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Getty Images
So, what exactly is the Menendez brothers’ brand appeal? It can’t just be the fact that they lived the glamorous Beverly Hills life before shocking the world by committing a first-degree murder. After all, children have killed their parents for money in the past.
I’d say there are four key lessons America’s top celebrity felons teach us about staying front and center for over 35 years—and in the process, driving some significant change.
The Allure of Image: The Power Behind Perception
The Menendez brothers didn’t fit the usual mold of Hollywood-style killers—far from it. Lyle and Erik Menendez’s image as affluent, attractive “Beverly Hills” boys undeniably fueled the media frenzy around their case. It sounds superficial but it’s true. Their appeal was undeniable, and studies back up the idea that attractive defendants have an advantage and often benefit from a “halo effect,” where physical appeal subtly skews judgments, creating perceptions of innocence or lessened guilt.
We saw this effect in full force at the Menendez trial—and again in the case of Jeremy Meeks, who was crowned the “world’s hottest felon” after his mugshot went viral and catapulted him into the public eye. In my book The Kim Kardashian Principle, I wrote about Jeremy Meeks and this exact phenomenon: the immense power of eye candy. Just as the Menendez brothers and Meeks became media obsessions partly due to their looks, leaders today can leverage this magnetism. It’s the allure of the “bad boy” effect—a mix of danger, rebellion, and intrigue—that keeps the public’s eyes locked on them.
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 14: Jeremy Meeks attends the opening ceremony and screening of “The Dead Don’t … [+] Die” during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2019 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
WireImage
By presenting a disruptively authentic image—think Elon Musk to a degree—leaders can create not just fans but fanatics—people who resonate so deeply with your image or idea or message that they’ll follow, defend, and promote it passionately. And as I’ve said countless times before, that’s where opportunity for real influence lies: in creating fanatics, not just fans—both for the individual and the brand.
View of million-dollar home, with new owners cars in driveway was formally owned by José and Mary … [+] Louise Menendez, who were killed by their two sons, Joseph and Erik Menendez and both convicted of murder in 1996, in photo December 17, 1993 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
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Timeliness: The Power of Cultural Relevance
The Menendez brothers’ case quickly became a major entry in America’s crime library. It erupted right as society began confronting issues like familial abuse, childhood trauma, and the hidden realities behind “perfect” society had created, in this case that of a privileged family. I’ve often stressed the value of infusing brands with a strong cultural currency, and this story—rooted in the brother’s allegations of abuse against their father, Jose Menendez—was loaded with it. The timing gave the Menendez brother’s story an enduring momentum; it hit just as public interest was rising around child abuse, and its long-term mental health impacts. And I believe one of the reasons that still drives the Menendez mania is that the story’s relevance hasn’t faded even today. In fact, purpose-drive younger generations are jumping on board it and helping amplify the message.
However, back in the ‘80s, most viewed the brothers as cold-blooded killers who gunned down their parents for inheritance money and spending sprees. Any other frame of reference would just throw them into malfunction. But thankfully, cultural perspectives have shifted, sparking what I see as a true Menendez movement.
Platforms like TikTok, along with two Netflix series, have brought fresh attention and new sympathy to this Menendez movement. Some TikTokers are even being inspired by the brother’s fashion sense.
SCREENSHOT MediaLyle and Erik Menendez’s 90s old money aesthetic is inspiring TikTok’s latest fashion craze
And although Ryan Murphy’s latest Netflix show, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix faced criticism, including from Tammi Menendez and the Menendez brothers themselves, Murphy recognized he too was contributing to the Menendez movement. And that’s exactly what prompted him to suggest that rather than criticize him the Menendez brothers “should be sending [him] flowers” for the renewed attention brought to their case, emphasizing how the show ignited a resurgence of interest in their story and sparked discussions worldwide. Ryan Murphy defended his portrayal, stating that the goal was to explore the complex dynamics of the Menendez family, not just serve the brothers’ perspectives.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24 : Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announces … [+] his decision on a possible resentencing recommendation for Erik and Lyle Menendez watched by the family members Diane Hernandez (niece of Kitty Menendez), Joan VanderMolen (sister of Kitty Menendez) and Arnold VanderMolen (nephew of Kitty Menendez) on October 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Lyle and Erik Menendez, known also as The Menendez brothers, have spent over 30 years in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills mansion. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
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What I value most about the media attention Lyle and Erik Menendez have drawn over the past three decades is how it has, perhaps unintentionally, served a deeper, more meaningful purpose around allegations of abuse and confrontation over abuse claims. And I know Gen Z love brands with purpose too.
This case remains a cultural touchstone because it tapped into broad societal concerns around trauma and abuse—and that cultural relevance has kept the Menendez Movement alive.
So why should we care? Well apart from doing the right thing leaders should align with timely, relevant themes to amplify their impact. They should aim to create movements around their brands that they can credibly own. By staying attuned to the current zeitgeist, they can give their narratives urgency and resonance—much like how the Menendez brother’s story tapped into society’s fascination with family dynamics, privilege, and the allure of the “bad boy” mystique. And I’ll say it again, just as importantly, the Menendez brothers brand resonates with purpose.
Erik Menendez, left, and his brother Lyle, wearing jail outfits, are led into courtroom. June 15, … [+] 1990. (Larry Davis / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Disruption: Shattering Norms
On the surface, the Menendez brothers appeared to have it all: privilege, connections, and education thanks to their wealthy parents Kitty and RCA Records executive Jose Menendez. But their actions—including their long hidden abuse secret and allegations of sexual abuse—shattered the pristine image of “Beverly Hills Paradise” and exposed a hidden side of family life in affluent circles.
Today, we see even more stories pulling back the curtain on Hollywood’s elite, from Harvey Weinstein’s crimes of assault to allegations against figures like P. Diddy, and the drug-related recent tragic passings of stars like Matthew Perry and Liam Payne. Stories exposing the abuses of the rich and powerful have never held more resonance, as audiences become increasingly aware of the disturbing realities often lurking behind certain picture perfect images often associated with wealth and fame.
In 2014, on CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, I discussed the darker side of Hollywood, particularly in light of the Bill Cosby allegations. Savvy audiences are drawn to stories like these, as they question the fantasy of fame and success, prompting society to reconsider what’s really behind an image. Psychological studies also suggest that archetypes like the “bad boy” and other norm-shattering figures create a lasting impact, encouraging people to question appearances and societal expectations.
I’d say this kind of disruption offers two powerful lessons for leaders. First, audiences are more discerning than ever, seeking out the deeper truths behind appearances and brand promises. Second, to achieve genuine resonance, leaders often need to face uncomfortable truths and break with conventional narratives. And I know so many people don’t like to do that. They feel safe within their mental constructs. Nevertheless, there is no doubt in my mind that some of the most impactful brands thrive by challenging marketplace norms, just as the Menendez brothers bravely challenged society’s ideas about family and success. By rejecting the status quo, leaders can inspire their audiences to think more critically and engage more deeply.
Movie producer Harvey Weinstein (C) leaves the Manhattan Supreme Court after his new bail hearing on … [+] December 6, 2019, in New York. – New York prosecutors on Friday called for Harvey Weinstein’s bail to be increased to $5 million, arguing that the disgraced Hollywood mogul — accused of sex crimes — had violated the conditions of his release and could try to flee the country. (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AFP) (Photo by EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
The Over-the-Top Factor: Bold Moves
Everything about the Menendez brothers’ crime was over-the-top: the Beverly Hills setting, their successful RCA Records executive father, the multiple fatal shots to both Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez, the savage crime scene, the brutal crime of passion, and the millions in inheritance money. Then there were the disturbing allegations of abuse, and the shame that reportedly kept Lyle and Erik Menendez silent about their secret. But these Beverly Hills bad boys went even further, shocking the public by going on a luxury spending spree shortly after their parents’ deaths—splurging on luxury items, buying businesses, and flaunting their inheritance. This amplified the sensationalism around an already intense story, with critics labeling them as entitled killers driven by financial gain, rather than acknowledging them as complex, if troubled, survivors of child abuse. Unfortunately, many couldn’t see beyond the wealth. What didn’t these kids have? Such is the power of an image—especially when it reflects desires people crave but can’t attain. And sadly, I don’t think much has changed today.
The details burned into public memory and achieving iconic status within America’s crime library, reinforcing the case’s shock value. I’ve spoken before about the importance of storytelling in brand-building, but this “over-the-top” factor made the Menendez brothers’ case unforgettable. Lyle and Erik Menendez’s bold, brazen actions both before and after their life sentences kept the media fixated.
Leaders can take a lesson from these extremes: bold moves capture attention, and though some critics may protest—as they did with the Menendez brothers and with Jeremy Meeks, the “world’s hottest felon” who became a model—over-the-top actions have lasting impact. When done with strategy, daring choices can create unforgettable moments that demand the public’s gaze and they can change the way people see the world. Thanks to the Menendez brothers, the picture perfect Beverly Hills family will never be seen the same way again. In my view, bold moves are essential in making a lasting impression and can help leaders stand apart and really make a difference.
TRIAL OF THE MENENDEZ BROTHERS (Photo by Kim Kulish/Sygma via Getty Images)
Sygma via Getty Images
Embracing Change: The Evolution of Narratives
With new admissible evidence highlighting Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez’s allegations of abuse against their father Jose Menendez, society’s perspective has the potential to shift. This calls for us to acknowledge the weight of childhood trauma, mental health, and the severity of punishment—which, in the Menendez brothers’ sentencing, appeared to be overlooked. Renewed attention from voices like Kim Kardashian, Ryan Murphy, and Tammi Menendez signals a larger shift in how we interpret confrontation over abuse claims, justice, and empathy. It challenges us to rethink, to open our minds—though many are resistant to change. Lyle and Erik Menendez’s defense lawyers argued in a recent news conference that, after 35 years, the brothers have paid their debt to society and deserve reconsideration, and I agree.
The case’s focus on allegations of abuse, the confrontation over abuse claims and the crime scene evidence underscores its depth and complexity, revealing the abuse secrets that shaped the brothers’ experiences and actions. Leaders can learn from this, adjusting their narratives when new evidence emerges or societal values evolve. I do believe today’s marketplace is more entrepreneurial then ever before and holds space for forgiveness and reinvention. Brands, like leaders, have the freedom to experiment, learn from failure, and pivot. By embracing change and authenticity, leaders can build stories that resonate, aligning with our growing understanding of mental health, trauma, and the potential for redemption. That can only be a good thing, right?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 16: Joan Andersen VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez’ sister, speaks at a … [+] press conference outside the Criminal Courts Building on October 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Members of Menendez’s family held the news conference to call for the release of brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez from prison nearly thirty years after their conviction in 1996 for killing their parents in Beverly Hills. The district attorney’s office is looking at new evidence which supports the brothers’ claim they were sexually abused by their father. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Getty Images
There’s no excusing the murder of Kitty and Jose Menendez. I believe that’s important to clarify. And the Menendez brothers are enshrined in America’s crime library for life. But with new admissible evidence emerging, another question lingers: have the country’s most notorious bad boys of Beverly Hills, Erik and Lyle Menendez, finally paid their debt to society? Their defense lawyers and defense consultants argue that they have paid for their crime of passion and their years of incarceration have balanced the scales of justice—and now, their alleged years of trauma and abuse secrets demand acknowledgment, calling for a chance at redemption.
What’s striking to me about the Menendez brothers’ brand is how it gained both power and influence through an ongoing relationship with the media. Today, with rising support for the allegations of abuse, we’re seeing just how impactful a brand can be in shifting public opinion and redefining concepts of justice. From Tammi Menendez’s advocacy to Kim Kardashian’s call for a second chance, Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series, and TikTok’s Menendez Movement, it’s clear that Erik Galen Menendez and Joseph Lyle Menendez’s brand wields a unique cultural power. This polarizing narrative of abuse secrets, insufficient evidence, and shifting perspectives shouldn’t just reshape how we view justice in America; it should redefine how we craft and interpret our most enduring stories. Maybe, just maybe, our fascination with the Menendez brothers was justified all along—and they’ve truly earned their crowns as America’s top celebrity felons.
Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling sensation, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)
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Publish date : 2024-10-28 10:50:00
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