Rosie O'Donnell's Menendez Brothers Remark Sparks Divide
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Rosie O'Donnell's remark about the Menendez brothers has sparked differing opinions online.
Newsweek reached out to O'Donnell's representative via email for comment.
The Context
On Tuesday, a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to 50 years to life in prison, which means they are immediately eligible for parole and could potentially go free, The Associated Press reported. The siblings were previously sentenced to life in prison after they were convicted in 1996 of killing their parents, Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. They have been behind bars for the last 35 years.
The brothers claimed they acted in self-defense after alleged sexual abuse by their father. However, prosecutors argued that they killed their parents out of greed over their inheritance.
Rosie O'Donnell accepts the Icon Award onstage during The Queerties on March 12, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (L) Erik Menendez is pictured at the trial of the Menendez brothers in Los Angeles, California on March...
Rosie O'Donnell accepts the Icon Award onstage during The Queerties on March 12, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (L) Erik Menendez is pictured at the trial of the Menendez brothers in Los Angeles, California on March 9, 1994. (R) Lyle Menendez is pictured at the trial of the Menendez brothers in Los Angeles, California on March 9, 1994. More; Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images 2
What To Know
On Wednesday, O'Donnell took to Instagram to comment on their reduced sentences.
"resentenced!!!!! thank god !!!" she shared with her 627,000 followers. "they deserve this - im beyond thrilled - they have served enough time - thank u all who helped this happen i love these guys - #overjoyed."
Over the years, the comedian has built a surprising friendship with Lyle Menendez. It began following a 1996 appearance on Larry King Live, where she declared her belief that the brothers acted in self-defense.
During an appearance on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live last week, O'Donnell said she visited Lyle Menendez in prison.
"You know, I follow my heart. I just do," the 63-year-old told host Andy Cohen. "He said to me, 'Will you come visit me in prison? I'm doing a presentation about making the the prison more beautiful and why it's helpful to inmates,' and so I said yes."
O'Donnell said his speech was "phenomenal" and explained that while she was there, she met inmates who train dogs through Guide Dogs of America to help veterans, children with autism under the age of 12 and people who are blind.
"I was like, 'Well, that's interesting,' and I said, I have an autistic kid under the age of 12," she said, referring to her child Clay. "So Russ, who runs Guide Dogs of America, said to me, 'Well, why don't you come to our facility and see what we do and see if you'd like to apply.'"
The Flintstones star told Cohen she was initially "very hesitant" because she didn't "want them to do this because I'm a celebrity."
"I don't want to cut the line for maybe a nonverbal kid who would really need it in a different way, but it was Lyle Menendez who convinced me that if you pass the application process, you are worthy of getting one of these dogs and don't turn it down before you see if your application is passed. And sure enough, our application was passed."
Their dog Kuma has since joined the family, and in an interview with People in April, O'Donnell said she has Lyle Menendez to thank for that.
"Our life has changed irrevocably," she told the outlet. "All of a sudden there was this connective force alive in the house between us."
What People Are Saying
O'Donnell's Instagram post has sparked divided opinions online.
Many agreed with the former talk show host.
Instagram user @eilishtitterington wrote: "I've been so happy since its been announced. I can only imagine how you, their friends and family feels, probably very euphoric. So happy for them."
@freedomforeriklyle said: "So incredibly happy for the boys!!! Another step forward to freedom! Justice won today."
@danofgreengables1990 added: "I just saw this and I thought of you immediately and how much advocacy you have done for this...Good on ya @rosie!"
@celestialgirl7 shared: "Good for them! I agree, they've definitely served long enough!
@kimmysue1993 chimed in: "Best news ever!"
Others, meanwhile, questioned her comments.
@lacalzada_ asked: "'I love these guys' Seriously?"
@drjcm said: "You love these guys? How are you so certain to their innocence?"
@jeffstahl79 posted: "You love these guys? That's a bit much."
@vale_in_la commented: "Why is everyone exited for murderers be free! @rosie I am really surprised that you support this. People like them deserve life."
@annetteh2017 added: "They killed their parents in cold blood. Why are they getting out? Smh [shaking my head]."
What Happens Next
Erik and Lyle Menendez will receive separate hearings from the state parole board on June 13. The final reports will be sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who will determine whether they should receive clemency.
The clemency case is separate from resentencing, as the siblings have explored various routes of freedom.
Specialists from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) sexual assault hotline are available 24/7 via phone (1-800-656-4673) and online chat. Additional support from the group is also accessible via the mobile app.
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