Kim Kardashian recently penned an essay calling for the release of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have been serving life sentences without parole since 1996 for the murder of their parents.
In the essay, published by NBC News, Kardashian emphasized that the brothers are not “monsters” but were victims of years of severe sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of their father, José Menendez.
She writes that the sexual, physical and emotional abuse the pair claimed they suffered at the hands of their parents was not adequately taken into account, and that media attention around the case meant “Erik and Lyle had no chance of a fair trial.”
“Back then, there were limited resources for victims of sexual abuse, particularly for boys,” she writes. “There were virtually no systems in place to support survivors, and public awareness of the trauma of male sexual abuse was minimal, often clouded by preconceived judgments and homophobia. Can anyone honestly deny that the justice system would have treated the Menendez sisters more leniently?”
Describing her visit to San Diego County’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, Kardashian says: “I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters. 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. Twenty-four family members, including their parents’ siblings, have released statements fully supporting Lyle and Erik and have respectfully requested that the justice system free them.”
While she acknowledges that “the killings are not excusable,” Kardashian says she believes “the trial and punishment these brothers received were more befitting a serial killer than two individuals who endured years of sexual abuse by the very people they loved and trusted.
“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.”
She concludes: “We owe it to those little boys who lost their childhoods, who never had a chance to be heard, helped or saved.”
Kardashian stressed that both brothers have shown significant growth during their time in prison. They have maintained exemplary disciplinary records, earned college degrees, and worked as mentors and caregivers. She also noted that 24 of their family members, including their parents’ siblings, support their release, believing the justice system should reassess their case.
This renewed push for the Menendez brothers’ freedom comes at a time when the Los Angeles prosecutors are reviewing new evidence, potentially opening the door for their convictions to be vacated. Kardashian’s essay, as well as her personal prison visits, align with her ongoing commitment to criminal justice reform.
