In a recent personal essay exclusively shared with NBC News and published on Thursday, Kim Kardashian made a heartfelt plea for the release of Lyle and Erik Menendez. The founder of Skims expressed her hope that the life sentences of the Menendez brothers would be reconsidered, especially in light of the renewed interest in their case in recent months. Kardashian emphasized the transformative nature of experiences, stating that they shape who we are and who we will become. She highlighted the physiological and psychological changes that occur over time, suggesting that it is unrealistic to expect individuals to remain the same as they were at 18. Notably, Kardashian has emerged as a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform in recent years, demonstrated by her successful completion of the California “baby bar” exam in 2021 and her active lobbying of both the Trump and Biden administrations on criminal justice issues.
The star of “Kardashians” revisited the case, which gained national attention in 1996 through two highly publicized trials, after “the brothers, aged 21 and 18, respectively, brutally shot and killed their parents in their Beverly Hills residence” in 1989.
However, Kardashian supported the brothers in her essay, recounting their assertions that the murders were a result of long-term sexual abuse and molestation by their father José, a Hollywood business executive.
Kardashian wrote in her essay that “this story is much more intricate than it seems on the surface,” and later added that “both brothers claimed they had endured years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from their parents.” Throughout their trial and subsequent conviction, the brothers maintained that their mother Mary Louise, also known as “Kitty,” was a willing participant in their abuse.
The billionaire beauty mogul noted in her essay that “after enduring years of abuse and fearing for their lives, Erik and Lyle chose what they believed at the time was their only way out — an unimaginable means to escape their living nightmare.”
During the duo’s second trial, Kardashian pointed out several discrepancies in the legal proceedings. She highlighted that both brothers were tried together before a single jury and that much of the abuse evidence was deemed inadmissible. Additionally, the option of manslaughter was no longer available. Kardashian expressed concern that the brothers had no chance of a fair trial, especially considering the televised first trial and the circumstances of their second trial.
In response to these concerns, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón, announced in a press conference that his office would conduct a review of new evidence in the brothers’ case. This included a letter sent by one of the brothers to a family member, alleging that he was the victim of molestation.
The founder of Sknn drew on her personal experiences in her essay, mentioning that “more than four months after the Menendez mistrials, O.J. Simpson was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.” It’s worth noting that Kardashian’s father, Robert Kardashian Sr., was a defense attorney on Simpson’s legal “dream team” and a close friend to the famed Buffalo Bills running back-turned-convicted felon.
Kardashian also shared that she visited the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, which is the California state prison near San Diego, in mid-September. During her visit, she met with the brothers, confirming earlier Variety reports.
Kim Kardashian recently spoke out in support of Lyle and Erik Menendez, stating that they are not the monsters they have been portrayed as. She emphasized that they have exemplary disciplinary records in prison, have earned multiple college degrees, and have worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals. Kardashian also mentioned that 24 family members, including their parents’ siblings, have released statements fully supporting Lyle and Erik. She visited the prison where the Menendez brothers are housed and was told by one of the wardens that he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors. Kardashian criticized the media for sensationalizing the brothers’ story and asked whether the justice system would have treated the Menendez sisters more leniently.
