There is an almost annual tradition among TV viewers: When a new Ryan Murphy show hits the streaming services, its release is accompanied by controversy. This time, the backlash is a reaction to the Netflix series Monster: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndezwhich debuted on the streaming service on September 19. The show takes a look at one of the most notorious murder trials of the 1990s and follows in the footsteps of Murphy’s other true crime shows, such as Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Storyas well as several contributions to his anthology series American crime historyincluding The People vs. OJ SimpsonAnd The assassination of Gianni Versace.

Since its streaming premiere, the show has already received significant criticism for its portrayal of the titular brothers, particularly its speculation about a possible romantic, incestuous relationship between them. Here, we explain exactly who the Menéndez brothers are, why people seem so upset with Murphy (again), and whether there’s even a shred of truth to what’s portrayed onscreen.

Note: This article deals with explicit cases of child sexual abuse.

Who are the Menéndez brothers?

Erik and Lyle Menéndez, often referred to simply as the “Menéndez brothers,” are siblings who were convicted in 1996 of the 1989 murder of their parents José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez. José Menéndez was a record executive who worked with bands such as Duran Duran, the Eurythmics, and Menudo, and the boys enjoyed a luxurious childhood in Beverly Hills.

On the night of August 20, 1989, Lyle called 911 to report that his parents had been killed. Both brothers claimed to have been at the movies and suggested that the Mafia was involved in the crimes; however, Erik later confessed to the murder to his therapist, L. Jerome Oziel, who had been recording their therapy sessions. Oziel’s mistress took the tapes to the police and in March 1990, the brothers were arrested and charged with the murder of their parents.

During the trial, which aired on CourtTV and became a national media sensation, the brothers argued that they killed their parents out of fear for their lives after being sexually and physically abused by their father. Lyle also accused Kitty of sexual abuse, stating that she washed his body all over and invited him into bed where she touched him.

what is Monster: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez?

The nine-part second season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology true crime series Monster — yes, the series whose first season revolved around serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer — hit Netflix on September 19. The series jumps back and forth in time, showing the murder, the trial and its aftermath from multiple perspectives and with an all-star cast. Oscar winner Javier Bardem and Oscar nominee Chloë Sevigny play José and Kitty Menéndez.