The story of the Menendez brothers and the murder of their parents in 1989 has gone through a kind of 'renaissance' that has led us all to relive and rethink this case.

This has happened since the series 'Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story' premiered on Netflix. This dark story has been widely discussed for decades, but now everyone is also turning their eyes to the documentary titled 'Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed' from 2023, which reveals disturbing details about Jose Menendez, the father of brothers Lyle and Erik.

This documentary not only explores the alleged sexual abuse that Lyle and Erik suffered at the hands of their father, but also introduces chilling new allegations implicating one of the most iconic bands of the 80's: Menudo.

According to the documentary, Jose Menendez, who was a top executive at RCA Records, had a close relationship with Menudo, as his company signed the band. However, what this documentary reveals goes beyond a professional relationship.

Roy Rosselló, former member of Menudo, stated that José Menéndez sexually abused him when he was 14 years old. According to Rosselló, this abuse occurred at the Menéndez home in New Jersey.

An obsession with Ricky Martin

Among the claims that most shocked the audience is the alleged obsession that José Menéndez had with the group Menudo and, in particular, with Ricky Martin, who was also part of the band.

Although the documentary does not delve into the exact details of this alleged obsession, several interviewees mention that Menéndez used to be overly interested in the band, which has generated speculation about the type of relationship he had with its young members.

In a clip from the documentary, a person close to Menudo states: 'José Menéndez was obsessed with Menudo', which adds an even more disturbing layer to the abuse allegations.

On the other hand, several podcasts claim that there is a video where a young Ricky Martin allegedly stated that Jose Menendez had also abused him. Of course, it is widely known that the 'La Copa de la Vida' singer has remained silent over the years about everything the band has been through.

The impact on the Menendez brothers' case

The documentary not only brings to light these new details about Menudo, but also reinforces the Menendez brothers' claims about the abuse they suffered at the hands of their father.

During their trial in the 1990s, Lyle and Erik claimed that their father's sexual abuse was one of the main reasons behind the murders.

However, at the time, many dismissed these allegations as a defense strategy.

Now, with the revelations of Rossello and other testimonies in 'Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed', the debate over the veracity of the brothers' claims has been reopened.

In an interview for the documentary, Erik Menéndez expressed his sadness upon learning that another person, like Roy Rosselló, was also a victim of his father. 'I always knew my father was an abuser, but I never wanted this truth to come out in such a painful way for someone else,' he said.

What does this mean for the legacy of Menudo and Ricky Martin?

Although Ricky Martin has not spoken publicly about the documentary's claims, his name has been mentioned on several occasions in connection with Jose Menendez's obsession with the group.

The documentary series raises disturbing questions about how power and fame allowed abuses to occur in the music industry during that era and at the same time revives the possibility that these brothers were, in fact, always telling the truth.