Kim Kardashian claims it’s time to release Erik and Lyle Menendez after visiting them in prison

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent essay for NBC News, Kim Kardashian expressed her belief that Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1996 murder of their parents, should be freed.

The brothers, now 56 and 53, were only 21 and 18 at the time of the crime, which has regained public attention due to Ryan Murphy's latest project in the 'Monster' anthology series.

Kim Kardashian advocates for release of Menendez brothers

Kim Kardashian argues that the circumstances surrounding the brothers' upbringing warrant reconsideration of their sentences. She emphasizes that individuals evolve over time and that personal experiences shape their lives.

"We are all products of our experiences. They shape who we were, who we are, and who we will be. Physiologically and psychologically, time changes us and I doubt anyone would claim to be the same person they were at 18. I know I’m not!” she stated.

In her essay, Kardashian highlighted the alleged years of abuse that Lyle and Erik endured at the hands of their parents. 

“Both brothers were tried together before a single jury, much of the abuse evidence was deemed inadmissible, and manslaughter was no longer an option. Some witnesses from the first trial were barred from testifying about the alleged abuse, depriving the jurors of crucial evidence."

"The prosecutor, having successfully argued to exclude the abuse testimony, mocked the brothers’ defense during his closing arguments for not producing any evidence of abuse,” Kardashian continued.

She criticized the media's portrayal of the brothers, stating, “Erik and Lyle’s case became entertainment for the nation, their suffering and stories of abuse ridiculed in skits on Saturday Night Live. The media turned the brothers into monsters and sensationalized eye candy — two arrogant, rich kids from Beverly Hills who killed their parents out of greed.”

Kim Kardashian argues that Menendez brothers did not receive fair trial

Kim Kardashian further wrote, "I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters,” Kardashian said, referring to them as “kind” and “honest men” who “both have exemplary disciplinary records.”

She went on to say, "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.”

“The killings are not excusable. I want to make that clear. Nor is their behavior before, during or after the crime. But we should not deny who they are today in their 50s,” she mentioned.

Kardashian writes in the end, “With their case back in the spotlight — and considering the revelation of a 1988 letter from Erik to his cousin describing the abuse — my hope is that Erik and Lyle Menendez’s life sentences are reconsidered. 

“We owe it to those little boys who lost their childhoods, who never had a chance to be heard, helped or saved."

Kim Kardashian's support for Menendez brothers sparks online debate

In a recent essay for NBC News, Kim Kardashian made headlines by advocating for the release of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1996 murder of their parents.

Her commentary has ignited a heated discussion online, with many weighing in on whether celebrity influence should have any role in the justice system.

While Kardashian argues that the brothers' abusive upbringing and subsequent trauma should be taken into account, not everyone is convinced. One user commented, "The way their parents were murdered is not how you can describe their ‘only’ way out."

Another wrote, "With all due respect to Kim K.... there's absolutely zero reason why a letter from her should have any sway in the court system at all. Full stop."

"Celebrities shouldn't influence justice," one user wrote. Another added, "Gurl u think the judge reading that?" 

"A tough case—trauma and fear played a role, but the legal process must decide their fate," a user remarked.

Another user wrote, "She is not a lawyer."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.