Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story dramatizes the intertwining lives of O. J. Simpson and the Menendez brothers during their time in jail, but it takes some creative liberties. The series briefly showcases the connection between O. J. Simpson and Erik Menendez, yet the reality of their relationship is far more complex than depicted.
In 1994, while awaiting trial for the murder of their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez were incarcerated in the Los Angeles County Jail. Simultaneously, O. J. Simpson, the former NFL star turned media sensation, was arrested following the infamous Bronco chase and held in the same facility. O. J. Simpson and Erik Menendez were placed in adjacent cells, where they spent approximately ten days in conversation, sharing insights and experiences as two of the most high-profile prisoners of the time.
O. J. Simpson and Menendez: A Surprising Connection
The relationship between O. J. Simpson and the Menendez brothers was not entirely new. Years before their paths crossed in jail, O. J. Simpson had met Erik and Lyle as children. At the time, their father, Jose Menendez, was a rising executive at RCA’s Hertz division. O. J. Simpson, who had gained widespread fame not only for his football career but also for his appearances in Hertz commercials, had been invited to the Menendez home by Jose. These early interactions laid the foundation for the more intense and unexpected bond that would develop years later behind bars.
The series condenses their 10-day connection into a brief scene, focusing on a pivotal moment where Erik advises O.J. Simpson against becoming too friendly with the jail guards. According to Robert Rand, the author of The Menendez Murders and a leading expert on the case, Erik’s caution was rooted in his belief that jail staff were not as trustworthy as O. J. Simpson assumed. Despite this, O. J. Simpson, known for his charm and sociability, was reportedly well-liked by the deputies, who frequently sought autographs and pictures with the former football star.
O. J. Simpson‘s football career, particularly his record-breaking run with the Buffalo Bills, had made him a household name long before his legal troubles. Known as “The Juice,” O. J. Simpson was celebrated for his athletic prowess, becoming the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. His success on the field translated into opportunities off it, including acting roles and lucrative endorsement deals, further solidifying his celebrity status.
The Real Story Behind the Jailhouse Advice
One of the more significant departures from reality in the Netflix series is the portrayal of Erik Menendez advising O. J. Simpson to take a plea deal. In truth, it was Lyle Menendez who spent considerable time with O. J. Simpson in the jail’s attorney room, often discussing their respective legal battles. According to Rand, Lyle suggested that O. J. Simpson consider a plea deal to avoid the potential devastation of a public trial. O. J. Simpson, however, ultimately decided against it, fearing that accepting a plea would ruin his reputation and future career prospects.
The series’ depiction of O. J. Simpson as the next big media sensation, outshining the Menendez brothers, is a reflection of what indeed transpired. As O. J. Simpson‘s trial captivated the nation, the Menendez case was overshadowed, relegated to the background of America’s true crime obsession. While Murphy’s series takes creative liberties, the real story of O. J. Simpson and Erik Menendez’s jailhouse friendship adds another layer of intrigue to two of the most infamous legal sagas of the 1990s.
