The notorious Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, convicted for the brutal murder of their parents in 1989, could potentially be on the brink of a financial windfall if they are granted early release from prison.
`However, unlike socialite con artist Anna Delvey, they should not anticipate any invitations to appear on "Dancing With the Stars."
According to The New York Post, media experts predict that the brothers could be offered multi-million dollar deals for their first post-incarceration interview, tell-all books, and documentaries on streaming services. The Menendez brothers have been behind bars for over three decades, and their story continues to captivate the public's attention.
Doug Eldridge, a celebrity branding and marketing expert, compared the Menendez murders to other high-profile cases in American history. "The Menendez murders are on the Mount Rushmore of high-profile murders in American history right up there with the JFK assassination, the Manson and Mansfield killings, and Robert Durst," Eldridge said. "The Menendez story would play very well."
Mitchell Jackson, the founder of PR firm BCC Communications, suggested that the brothers could even profit from OnlyFans, a notorious social media subscription service. "British tabloids would pay thousands for the first interview with the brothers out of prison," Jackson said. "Fan girls would pay for Cameos. If the brothers are really shameless, their biggest cash grab would come on OnlyFans. Never underestimate what gay men and single women will pay for. OnlyFans is where they would make millions, not documentaries."
Jackson also noted that the societal shift away from cancel culture in the past four years has created an opportunity for the Menendez brothers to share their story. He criticized traditional Hollywood for prioritizing their reputation over ratings, suggesting that the more profitable streaming services understand what sells.
The Menendez brothers, now in their 50s, are set to be resentenced at the recommendation of progressive Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascn. A judge could decide to release them on parole in the coming weeks.
Matt Yanofsky, a PR and brand marketing specialist, said, "If the Menendez brothers in fact rejoin society and remain a part of it, Id imagine book deals, TV deals, documentaries, and movies will be offered their way. Id imagine that brand deals may also be something that come their way as in todays public world, it seems very little is off-limits. When a spotlight is lit, money follows it doesnt matter who you are or what youve done.
The renewed interest in the Menendez brothers' case follows the recent releases of a documentary and a dramatized series on Netflix. It is estimated that the brothers spent most of the $14.5 million they inherited on legal fees and court costs. Unlike New York, California does not prohibit convicts from financially benefiting from their crimes.
Rob Shuter, host of the Naughty But Nice podcast, said, "As the Menendez brothers draw closer to potential release, their story has the power to create a financial windfall that could redefine media comeback.' Alone, each brother would capitalize heavily on the intrigue and momentum surrounding their case, but together, theyre poised for a media blitz with a multi-million-dollar ceiling.
Shuter also noted that the brothers have the backing of Kim Kardashian, a significant endorsement in Hollywood that could expedite their media reach. He predicted a surge of branded products, including clothing lines and wig collections, and even suggested they might be seen at the Met Gala next year.
The brothers' infamy could provide lucrative opportunities. Jackson, the PR head, said, "In Donald Trumps America, theyre more A-list than Jennifer Lawrence in terms of marketability. Theyre a phenomenon right now. They should grab every cash grab they can. The reality is they have few economic prospects outside of the fame economy, and people will lose interest. In America, a criminal cant work at Costco as a cashier, but they can be a celebrity.
Login