Will Erik or Lyle Menendez Join Dancing with the Stars Season 34?

In 2025, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars will be gearing up for its 34th season. Among the cast hopefuls are notorious convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez, who killed their parents in 1989. After decades in prison, the brothers may soon be released on parole amid renewed interest in their case. But will ABC take a chance by casting one of the Menendez brothers alongside reality stars and athletes?

Resentencing Could Lead to Parole

In 1996, Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering their wealthy parents inside the family’s Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. However, LA District Attorney George Gascón has now recommended the brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life instead.

This reduced sentence would make them eligible for parole given time served. The DA’s office cites the brothers’ young age at the time of the crime (18 and 21 years old) as justification. A judge must approve any resentencing. The California parole board would then decide on actual release.

Could an early release mean they will be inundated with appearance requests? It’s possible, and site 22bet21.com thinks there is 4.80% chance they’ll appear on Dancing With the Stars. There are odds of 21/1 if you want to make a bet.

Supporters See Abuse Impact

Advocates for Erik and Lyle argue the brothers would never have been convicted today. Their defense centered on years of sexual abuse by their father, which led to the killings. While rejected then, many now believe it could excuse the crimes.

Family members say the trauma of abuse should allow Lyle and Erik to go free after 34 years behind bars. However, not all relatives agree. An attorney for the brothers’ uncle Milton Andersen opposes any resentencing.

True Crime Interest Renewed

The Menendez case returned to the public eye recently thanks to Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” The 2023 drama revived allegations Jose Menendez abused his sons and implicated their mother Kitty in covering it up. A member of Menudo also just accused Jose of sexually assaulting him as a teen.

This true crime fascination makes the brothers tabloid fixtures again. Their possible parole bids scandals perfect for reality TV.

Dancing with a Dark Past

ABC’s cast announcement for Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars highlighted convicted con artist Anna Sorokin as a “notorious ankle bracelet fashionista.”

This indicates the show wants controversial characters whose criminal histories will generate buzz. Sorokin performed wearing the monitor she’s required to have while appealing deportation.

Following suit, ABC could court Erik or Lyle Menendez as they exit prison. The network could list one brother as a “remorseless murderer” traumatized by “years of abuse.” Their dancing journey could become “a quest for redemption.”

Unlikely but Possible

Does a freed Menendez brother want the scrutiny of a TV dance contest? More likely they’d seek privacy after decades behind bars. And ABC taking such an enormous risk on convicted killers appears improbable.

Yet Dancing with the Stars loves unexpected casting. And the Menendez allure remains. America’s true crime obsession, new perspectives on abuse, and their telegenic backstory could make a Menendez the show’s most shocking contestant ever. For the right price, it’s not impossible.

While neither Erik nor Lyle Menendez joining Dancing with the Stars Season 34 seems probable, it can’t be ruled out. If resentenced and paroled soon, one brother could take the ballroom floor. But ABC would face huge public backlash over glorifying convicted murderers. Still, for big ratings and buzz, never say never. The casting would certainly be controversial – and criminal.