For years, the Menendez brothers claimed to have been victims of years of sexual abuse by their father, Jose Menendez. The allegations mainly fell on deaf ears and didn't play a big part in the 1996 trial that ended in convicting them to life in prison without parole for the murder of their parents.
Then came Roy Roselló. The former member of the iconic boy band Menudo, came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against the elder Menendez in the Peacock docuseries "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed". The public perception changed.
As public attention turns back to the case due to Ryan Murphy's latest Netflix series, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," Roselló's story has resurfaced, as has his compassion and empathy for the Menéndez brothers.
Roselló, who was a part of Menudo from 1983 to 1986, alleges that he was sexually abused by Menéndez, during his teenage years.
In the documentary, Roselló accuses Menéndez of drugging and raping him when he was just 14 years old. This alleged abuse occurred at the Menéndez family's home, where Menéndez served as a powerful executive at RCA Records.
Roselló's account is haunting. He recalls being taken to Menéndez's home by Menudo's manager, Edgardo Díaz, who has also faced multiple accusations of abuse. Once at the house, José Menéndez allegedly gave him wine, which Roselló was not used to drinking. After consuming it, he started to feel heavy and disoriented, eventually losing consciousness. When he woke up, Roselló claimed he was in a hotel room and had been raped.
The accusations against Menéndez are not new. His sons, Lyle and Erik, made similar claims during their highly publicized murder trials in the 1990s. The brothers admitted to killing their parents, citing years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father as the driving motive. However, during the trials, many dismissed these claims, focusing instead on the brothers' perceived greed and extravagant lifestyle following the murders.
Roselló's testimony breathed new life into the Menendez brothers' case. His account not only corroborated the brothers' long-standing claims of abuse but also shed light on the broader patterns of exploitation within the entertainment industry at the time. Erik Menéndez, speaking from prison in a conversation with journalist Robert Rand, expressed sympathy for Roselló, acknowledging the trauma he endured. "It's sad to know there was another victim of my father," Erik said, adding that he had seen Roselló with his father at their home.
@truth.about.menendez Roy Rosello was another victim of Jose!! #fypシ #menendezbrothers #justiceforthemenendezbrothers #erikmenendez #lylemenendez #trending (fake all)
♬ Home - Slowed - Edith Whiskers
Roselló's testimony could have significant legal implications. In 21 states across the U.S., sexual abuse of a minor is a crime that does not have a statute of limitations, meaning that charges could still be brought against those involved. Moreover, Roselló's claims may provide the evidence that the Menendez brothers needed during their initial trials. As Erik Menéndez reflected, "This is the testimony we needed back then."
Currently, Roy Roselló spends most of his time in Brazil, where he has appeared on reality shows and become a religious figure.
For Roselló, these revelations were about more than seeking justice for himself; they represent an opportunity to validate the experiences of the Menendez brothers, who have spent over 30 years in prison. He hopes his voice helps expose the truth and bring closure to one of modern American history's most notorious criminal cases.
While Ryan Murphy may not have had the same intentions, he has said that his Netflix series may help the brothers. "My series may be the best thing that has happened to the brothers in 30 years," he said during an interview.
Erik and Lyle's documentary will premiere on Netflix on October 7th. Roselló's story and combined with a resurfaced letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin in 1988 that contained discussion of the abuse, has resulted in a habeas corpus petition being filed on behalf of the Menendez brothers which, if successful, could result in their convictions being vacated. Their lawyers are at work. It seems that the second era of this story is only beginning.
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