
(DailyChive.com) – Rosie O’Donnell, the famous comedian, has taken on more than just a fan role for Lyle and Erik Menendez. She calls herself their “big sister,” advocating for the brothers who are currently serving life sentences in San Diego for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
The Menendez brothers’ case has resurfaced in popular culture, largely due to documentaries and series like Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The renewed interest in their story has given both brothers an opportunity to speak out, even though they have criticized some portrayals of their case.
O’Donnell shared that she first got involved after watching a documentary that presented new evidence suggesting the brothers had been molested by their father. This revelation changed her perspective on the case. Though she had ignored a letter from Lyle years earlier (under the advice of TV legend Barbara Walters), she decided to reach out after learning more about their alleged abuse. From that point, she and Lyle formed a close bond.
In fact, O’Donnell received a call from Lyle’s wife, and from there, a friendship began. She describes Lyle as a model inmate, someone who has shown kindness and responsibility, such as when he cared for dying prisoners in hospice. “You can’t fake that for 35 years,” she remarked, noting Lyle’s spotless record.
O’Donnell said the brothers’ relationship with her feels almost familial, and when she finally met them in person last year, both greeted her with hugs. Erik even whispered, “Thank you for loving my brother.”
O’Donnell continues to use her platform to advocate for their release, believing that the justice system failed to fully understand the complexities of their situation. She is hopeful that new evidence will lead to a fresh chance for their freedom, and she’s excited about the possibility.
“I promised Lyle I’d take him to Nobu when he gets out,” O’Donnell said. “I told him, ‘Sooner than you think.’”
Copyright 2024, DailyChive.com