Actor Cooper Koch Embraces Real Menendez Brothers During Prison Visit with Kim Kardashian, Advocates for Their Retrial and Calls Them ‘Upstanding Individuals’.
Actor Cooper Koch, who portrays Erik Menendez in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, recently visited the Menendez brothers in prison alongside Kim Kardashian. During this visit, Koch expressed his belief that the brothers deserve a retrial and described them as “upstanding individuals.”
Koch revealed that his first conversation with Erik Menendez occurred over the phone the night before the show’s premiere. He shared with Variety, “I had a really good conversation with him. I told him I believe him and that I aimed to portray him authentically.” They discovered shared experiences, such as attending the same high school in California, which made their conversation feel more personal.
A few days after their phone call, Erik publicly criticized the Netflix series through a statement from his wife. Koch addressed these concerns during his prison visit. He empathized with Erik, saying, “I can’t imagine what it would be like to have such a traumatic part of your life dramatized for millions to see. I understand, and I stand with you.”
Koch’s visit to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego on September 21 came about through an introduction by his stylist, Jamie Mizrahi. After Mizrahi shared a video of Kardashian praising Koch’s performance, she invited him to join her for the prison visit.
During their time at the facility, Koch was struck by the kindness of both Erik and Lyle Menendez. “We just looked at each other and immediately embraced. They are such upstanding individuals,” he said.
Koch noted that Erik teaches meditation and speech classes in prison and is involved in projects aimed at improving prison conditions.
The Menendez brothers are serving life sentences without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. Koch believes they deserve a retrial due to new evidence regarding their claims of childhood abuse. He stated, “They committed the crime when they were 18 and 21 years old. At that time, it was hard for people to believe that male-on-male sexual abuse could occur.” He emphasized that societal understanding has evolved over the past 35 years.
Koch hopes for a future where the Menendez brothers can be paroled and live fulfilling lives. He expressed a deep connection with Erik during their meeting, highlighting their shared spirituality and his desire to advocate for them.
Kardashian’s involvement in prison reform has become increasingly prominent as she continues to visit correctional facilities to learn about rehabilitation programs. Her activism gained attention after her meeting with then-President Trump in 2018, where she advocated for clemency for nonviolent offenders.
In April 2024, Kardashian participated in discussions about criminal justice reform at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris.
She has been vocal about her commitment to supporting those affected by harsh sentencing laws.
Koch’s inclusion in this visit reflects Kardashian’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness of rehabilitation initiatives within prisons. Scott Budnick, a producer accompanying them, noted that these visits help inmates feel seen and valued.
Overall, Koch’s experience with the Menendez brothers highlights ongoing conversations about justice reform and the complexities surrounding their case.
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