Actor Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik Menendez in Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” recently had an emotional encounter with the real-life convicted murderer he plays on screen. The meeting, which took place at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility where both Erik and Lyle Menendez are serving life sentences, was arranged by reality TV star and aspiring lawyer Kim Kardashian.
Koch described the experience to The Hollywood Reporter, saying he and Erik Menendez immediately recognized each other upon entering the prison gymnasium. The actor recalled a powerful moment when they locked eyes, smiled, and embraced. Koch found both Erik and Lyle to be surprisingly “kind” and “normal” during the visit.
Despite not having watched the series himself, Erik Menendez praised Koch’s performance, particularly in the fifth episode titled “The Hurt Man.” This pivotal episode delves into Erik’s allegations of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, which the brothers claimed as motivation for the murders during their high-profile trial.
The Netflix series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, dramatizes the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, who shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. The show has faced criticism for alleged inaccuracies and creative liberties taken with the brothers’ personal lives and legal proceedings.
Erik Menendez’s wife, Tammi, previously shared statements on social media platform X criticizing the series for its portrayal of Lyle and for containing “horrible and blatant lies.” In response, Murphy noted the difficulty of seeing one’s life portrayed on screen and pointed out that Erik had issued his statement without having seen the show.
During their meeting, Koch and Erik Menendez discussed the backlash the series has received. The actor expressed empathy for Erik’s situation, acknowledging the challenges of having the worst parts of one’s life dramatized for television. Koch assured Erik that he understood his perspective and stood with him.
The prison visit was set up by Kim Kardashian, who has been actively involved in criminal justice reform efforts while pursuing her law degree. Kardashian reportedly contacted Koch via FaceTime just days before the meeting to arrange the visit.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is part of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series for Netflix. While the show aims to shed light on the complex case of the Menendez brothers, it has also sparked discussions about the ethics of dramatizing real-life tragedies and the impact on those involved.
As the series continues to generate buzz and controversy, the meeting between Koch and Erik Menendez offers a unique perspective on the intersection of true crime entertainment and the real-life individuals at the center of these stories. It highlights the ongoing fascination with the Menendez case and raises questions about the responsibility of filmmakers and actors in portraying true events on screen.
The encounter also underscores the growing influence of celebrities like Kim Kardashian in criminal justice matters, as they use their platforms to facilitate connections and raise awareness about high-profile cases. As discussions around the series and its portrayal of the Menendez brothers continue, the meeting between Koch and Erik Menendez adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about crime, punishment, and media representation in American society.