Kim Kardashian has shown her support for the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, calling for their release after decades of being in prison.
The star of “The Kardashians” shared a photo of the two brothers on her Instagram, accompanied by the message: “It is time for the Menendez brothers to be freed.”
The businesswoman also noted that she had written a personal essay published by NBC News arguing that the brothers, sentenced to life in prison for murdering their parents in 1989, did not receive a fair trial due to a lack of consideration of the abuse they suffered at the hands of of their parents. “My hope is that the sentence of Lyle and Erik Menéndez is reconsidered”Kardashian wrote.
The reasons for Kardashian’s support for the Menendez
Kardashian has been active in criminal justice reform in recent years, advocating for several high-profile cases. Throughout his essay, he explained that the Menéndez brothers suffered physical, sexual and emotional abuse for years, which led them to commit the murders. “After years of abuse and real fear for their lives, Erik and Lyle chose what they thought at the time was their only way out.”he stated.
The founder of SKIMS argues that the media narrative surrounding the Menéndez case demonized them and turned them into symbols of greed, when in reality their crimes have a much more complicated history.
“The media turned the brothers into monsters and sensationalized them as a visual delight: two rich, arrogant kids from Beverly Hills who killed their parents out of greed. “There was no room for empathy, much less for compassion.”she writes.
Kardashian’s analysis of the case
In her essay, Kardashian points out that abuse by her father, José Menéndez, was a determining factor in the brothers’ actions, and that her mother, Mary Louise “Kitty,” was also involved in the abuse.
Kardashian also noted that during the Menendezes’ second trial, most evidence about the abuse was excluded, which she said deprived them of a fair trial. He added that society at the time did not understand the trauma associated with male sexual abuse, and that today, with greater awareness, the perception and treatment of the case could be different.
“There were virtually no support systems for victims, and public awareness of the trauma of male sexual abuse was minimal, often clouded by preconceived prejudices and homophobia. “Can anyone honestly deny that the justice system would have treated the Menendez sisters more leniently?”he added.
The meeting between Kardashian and the Menendez
In September, Kardashian visited the prison where the brothers are serving their sentence and assured that they are not the “monsters” that the media portrayed at the time.
“I’ve spent time with Lyle and Erik; “They are not monsters”said the businesswoman. “They are kind, intelligent and honest men. In prison, both have exemplary disciplinary records. “They have earned multiple college degrees, worked as hospice caregivers for incarcerated seniors, and served as mentors in college programs, committed to helping others.”.
He also stressed that both have had exemplary behavior during their time in prison, obtaining university degrees and helping other inmates. “When I visited the prison three weeks ago, one of the wardens told me that he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors. Twenty-four family members, including their parents’ siblings, have issued statements fully supporting Lyle and Erik.”he continued.
“I don’t think the sentence they received was fair for the complexity of the case.”Kardashian concluded.