Kim Kardashian recently visited the San Diego prison where Lyle and Erik Menendez are serving life sentences after being convicted of killing their parents in 1989. Kardashian, who has been advocating for criminal justice reform, was joined by film producer Scott Budnick, and they met with about 40 men during their visit to the prison. The visit was “expedited” after Kardashian met Cooper Koch, who stars in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” a dramatization of the case. Despite Erik Menendez criticizing the show as “full of lies,” Budnick believes the series shows a “net positive” portrayal of the brothers, highlighting their traumatic past.
During the prison visit, Kardashian’s mom, Kris Jenner, and sister Khloé joined her, showing support towards Kim’s efforts in criminal justice reform. Budnick expressed how proud Kris Jenner was of Kim’s passion to give back and help people in need. Kardashian’s massive social media platform allows her to shed light on rehabilitative programs while bringing hope and inspiration to those incarcerated individuals who feel “invisible” and forgotten by society. Budnick aims to expose Kardashian to various aspects of the criminal justice system as she continues her studies in law and prepares to take the bar exam next year.
Kardashian’s involvement in Murphy’s horror franchise, “American Horror Story: Delicate,” and her upcoming role as a divorce lawyer in his legal drama, showcase her continued interest in criminal justice-related projects. Budnick shared that though the Netflix series accurately depicts the Menendez brothers as arrogant rich kids, they have since become accountable, responsible, humble, and giving individuals who own up to their crime and strive to give back to society. Despite efforts to reach Kardashian, Koch, and the Menendez brothers’ attorney for comment, there was no immediate response from them.
In 2018, Kardashian made headlines for her meeting with then-President Donald Trump at the White House, where she successfully advocated for the commutation of a woman’s life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. She later returned to the White House in April to discuss criminal justice reform with Vice President Kamala Harris. Kardashian’s dedication to criminal justice reform, paired with her prison visits and advocacy efforts, highlights her commitment to bringing positive change to the system and providing hope to individuals behind bars who are working towards rehabilitation and transformation. Her actions have demonstrated a genuine desire to make a difference and improve the lives of those impacted by the criminal justice system.
