Most people have consumed, or at least come into contact with, some sort of true crime media throughout their life, whether it’s a book, TV show, podcast or short-form content on social media.
While the genre, and the discourse surrounding it, is seemingly a new phenomenon on the Internet, the concept itself is not necessarily new. Media based on criminals and their acts have existed since the 19th century.
What makes the genre so unique in this day and age is that those involved or affected by the crimes can easily receive news of their portrayal in the story. Additionally, the people reporting on the events can reach out to victims or suspects for comment.
This brings me to my biggest issue when it comes to Hollywood capitalizing off true crime: respect for those affected.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” premiered on Netflix on Sept. 19 and told the story of how Lyle and Erik Menendez murdered their parents. With it came a slew of responses. While some praised the TV show for shining light on the horrors experienced by the brothers, others criticized its mere existence.
Most notably, Erik Mendez.
“It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe [creator] Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent,” Erik said in a statement released from prison by his wife.
Erik intensifies his criticism of Murphy by stating the following.
“So now Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander,” Erik said.
Needless to say, Murphy did not receive creative input or consent from either Erik or Lyle to create the show. An act that is extremely disrespectful considering the show graphically details the alleged sexual abuse the brothers faced from their father.
This isn’t the first offense from Murphy either. If the name sounds familiar it’s because Murphy also created the highly contentious “Dahmner” series, based on infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, which became a media circus at the time of its release in 2022.
The hardest-hitting criticism of the series was the family members of victims stating that they were not contacted at all about the creation of the series. Several of these family members stated that the show reopened old wounds and felt traumatized experiencing the loss all over again.
Murphy, however, is not the only offender. Gypsy Rose Blanchard notably criticized the TV show “The Act,” created by Nick Antosca and Michelle Dean. The show portrayed her life under her mother’s abuse and her scheme to murder her mother.
“I was not consulted or compensated for a show that made actor Joey King a household name,” Blanchard said.
This is the core issue of the true crime genre. At a certain point it no longer feels like an attempt at justice but rather a spectacle of suffering persons. The genre can be used to help victims but only if done carefully.
True crime should be a form of journalism, not a mockumentary. It should be made with full consent and support from those affected.
Take for example “When They See Us,” a show recounting the Central Park jogger case created by Ava DuVernay with support from the subjects. The show was widely praised for its tactful handling of subject matter and real persons.
Most of all, viewers should be mindful of the media they choose to consume. There is a good chance that if “Dahmner” wasn’t a widespread success with record-breaking views, Netflix wouldn’t have greenlit the Menedez brothers’ story.
Viewers have power over the media they choose to support and should be more aware of it.
