Psychologist reveals ‘real reason’ Menendez brothers were forced to wear glasses and pastel colours in court

Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing

A psychologist has revealed the fascinating reason why Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers serving life sentences for the murder of their parents in 1989, were made to dress a certain way during their infamous televised trial.

Following the release of Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, there has been to an unprecedented resurgence of attention being given to the brothers' case.

Despite Erik slamming the 'dishonest portrayal' and 'blatant lies' put forward by the show, it has led to viewers attempting to separate fact from fiction, with people analysing every detail of the televised trial that shocked America.

The first trial resulted in a deadlocked jury as they were unable to reach a verdict - leaving us to wonder how much their appearances came into play.

While the Netflix series Monsters is marred in controversy, there was one scene in particular that was rooted in fact and has piqued viewers' interests.

Within the courtroom, the defence teams put forward Lyle and Erik's accounts of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, while the prosecution argued the murders were financially motivated.

During proceedings, the brothers had a very distinct look.

'In the space of just a few seconds, people make up their minds about someone'

This is referenced in an episode of the Netflix production, during which Erik says to his lawyer, Leslie Abramson: “You put me in glasses I don’t even need!" and Lyle jumps in to add: "You dressed us in f***ing pastels."

This raised a lot of questions, including exactly how these decisions came to be made, and how we, as viewers, or participants of a jury may perceive innocence based on appearances.

What does a perfect suspect look like? And is it possible to achieve a 'picture of innocence' in an effort to solicit compassion and sympathy?

The real Menendez brothers during the trial (VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking exclusively to Tyla, psychologist Dannielle Haig explained the way in which defence teams dress suspects - and what the lawyers of the Menendez brothers were hoping to achieve.

The expert explained: "In the space of just a few seconds, people make up their minds about someone based on how they look. It’s human nature.

'The defence team wasn’t just picking out outfits—they were crafting a story'

"Defence teams know this, and they use it to their advantage. Glasses, for instance, often give off a certain vibe—one of intelligence, gentleness, even innocence.

"There’s actual research showing that people who wear glasses are seen as more trustworthy and competent."

Dannielle continued: "In the case of the Menendez brothers, those glasses could have been chosen to make them seem less like cold-blooded killers and more like vulnerable young men.

"And then there’s the colour choice. Pastels, of all things! These soft, non-threatening shades are often linked to calmness, innocence, and even childlike purity in colour psychology."

Lyle Menendez in court (Kim Kulish/Sygma via Getty Images)

The psychologist continued: "By dressing the brothers in these colours, the defence team wasn’t just picking out outfits—they were crafting a story. They wanted the jury to see two frightened boys, not two dangerous criminals."

Dannielle then explained a sociological theory popularised by Erving Goffman, known as 'Impression Theory.'

'It can blur the lines between guilt and innocence'

Essentially, this is the idea that people use a series of techniques to control how they're perceived - and that it's possible to use appearance, behaviours and communication to achieve this.

Dannielle asserted that this was a tactic employed by the lawyers of the Menendez brothers, 'to make them appear more relatable, and to plant seeds of doubt in the jury’s mind.'

She explained: "The goal? Make the jury feel sympathy. Create a sense of familiarity, or at the very least, soften their image."

Erik Menendez in court (Kim Kulish/Sygma via Getty Images)

Dannielle went on to explain that while it may come as a surprise, employing these tactics in a courtroom can make a huge difference on the judicial outcome.

She explained: "Studies have shown that juries are less likely to convict defendants who are seen as more attractive or well-presented. Now, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about looking the part.

"When a suspect looks less threatening and more relatable, juries are more likely to empathise with them. And once empathy kicks in, it can blur the lines between guilt and innocence."

Dannielle added: "It’s not just juries that this approach works on—it affects public opinion too.

"In high-profile trials, like the Menendez case, the media plays a big role. How the suspects look in court is beamed across the world, and how they’re presented can shape public perception, which in turn can influence the trial.

"The defence team knows this. They’re not just dressing their clients for the jury; they’re dressing them for everyone watching at home."

How defendants are dressed can influence a jury (Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

Following the deadlocked jury, the brothers were put through another trial.

This time around, it was not televised - with cameras being completely banned.

Judge Weisberg ruled that the abuse defence could not be used in court.

Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, narrowly escaping the death penalty.

After numerous failed appeal attempts, it was announced yesterday (3 October) that new evidence supporting the brothers' claims of abuse had come to light, and that a hearing will take place on 29 November.

This could lead to a resentencing, or an entirely new trial.

Los Angeles District Attorney, George Gascón, stated in a press conference: "We have been given evidence. We have been given a photocopy of a letter that allegedly was sent by one of the brothers to another family member talking about him being the victim of molestation."

He concluded: "We’ve also got evidence that was provided by the defence, by his lawyers, that one of the members of the Menudo band [Roy Rosselló] alleged that he was molested by the father.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.