Actor Javier Bardem reacts to Erik Menendez’ criticism of the Netflix crime drama

“Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story” follows the case of the real-life brothers who are currently serving life sentences without parole for shooting their parents to death in their Beverly Hills mansion on August 20, 1989.

In the nine-part series, Cooper Koch and Nicholas Chavez play the two brothers, while Bardem and Chloe Sevigny play the parents Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez.

The real Erik Menendez has since criticized the series in a statement shared by his wife Tammi Menendez on X, calling it a “dishonest portrayal” and “inaccurate.”

He also said his brother Lyle’s portrayal was based on “blatant lies.”

Bardem told the PA news agency: “I haven’t actually read what he (Menendez) said, but whatever he says, I support it in the sense that he absolutely has the right to speak and be against or for the show and that is absolutely logical.”

“I mean, it’s his life and it’s very delicate and I think it’s absolutely normal for him to have something to say about it.

“That being said, I know that everyone involved in the show put a lot of care and time into researching and putting the whole thing together.

“And we as actors put a lot of effort into doing it with respect and sensitivity.”

The show, co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, is the sequel to their first monster series about US serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

Bardem, 55, said, “When you’re working with such sensitive material, you have to sit down and think about it,” but agreed to star in the series after working with Murphy on 2009’s “Eat, Pray, Love.”

“I knew if anyone could tell the story, it was him,” he told PA.

“I knew he was really careful and responsible about his work as an artist. He surrounds himself with the best of the best at every level, and he takes it very seriously and responsibly when it comes to making sure that everyone feels protected, but also that the material is very well put together.

“So he doesn’t take anything lightly,” Bardem added.

Murphy defended his true-crime series following backlash from Erik Menendez, telling Entertainment Tonight that they proceeded “very carefully” and gave the brothers “their day in court” and presented the facts “from their point of view.”

The writer-director admitted that it was really hard to “imagine his life on screen,” but added that Erik Menendez had not seen the series yet.

Bardem’s co-star Sevigny told PA he was “not surprised” by his brother’s reaction.

“They still hope that their case will be re-examined by the judiciary. So of course they feel that something in the public eye could have an impact on a fair and just trial. So it didn’t surprise me,” said the 49-year-old.

“I think the show is going to be polarizing. I think people are going to have intense feelings about it, and it was an intense murder and case and circumstance.”

Koch, who plays Erik Menendez in the series, meanwhile told PA: “I understand where he’s coming from.

“I can’t imagine what it would be like to have not just your life, but the worst part of your life, shown on television in a Hollywood dramatized retelling.

“I can’t imagine what that must feel like and it’s super hard and that’s why I feel for him, I support him and I understand.”

The 28-year-old said he watched and read recordings of the real-life trials to inspire his performance in the series.

“I watched it every day, had it on in the car and had it on YouTube on my bedside table. When I went to sleep, I fell asleep while he was talking,” Koch told PA.

The series also stars actor Nathan Lane from “Modern Family” and “Only Murders In The Building” as journalist Dominick Dunne, who wrote about the trial for Vanity Fair.

Lane also referenced Erik Menendez’s backlash to the series, telling PA: “I would say it was probably inevitable that he would condemn this show, but it’s hard to condemn something if you haven’t seen it.

“You are only judging by what you have heard or read about it.

“I have to say, Ryan (Murphy) and Ian Brennan, in my opinion, give you every possible perspective on this case.”