The promoter of the Musical group Slight, Darrin McGillisfiled a lawsuit against NBCUniversal at least 500 million dollarsclaiming that the documentary Menendez + What: Boys Betlayedtransmitted on the platform Peacock Since 2023, it has caused irreparable damage to the reputation of the group and its commercial value.
According to judicial documents cited by TMZMcGillis accuses the chain of spreading “scandalous, false and defamatory statements” by linking the legendary Latin youth band with sexual abuse and homosexual behaviors, within the framework of the complaints against José Menéndezfather of Erik y Lyle Menéndezconvicted of the murder of their parents in 1989.
The focus of the documentary are the statements of Roy Rosselló Díazoften meant, who affirms that José Menéndez Sexually abused during the 1980s. Rosselló argues that the father of the Menéndez took advantage of his position of power as executive of RCA Records to assault him while the group was at the cusp of his popularity.
The artist’s statements have revived the public interest in the case of the Menéndez brothers, who were convicted in the 90s for the murder of their parents and that, during their judgment, they assured that they had been victims of abuse by their father. The documentary of NBC It presents Rosselló’s statements as a possible support for that version.
McGillis, who claims to possess the rights of several of the historical successes of often, argues that the production of NBC It has caused a “Significant and direct damage” The brand often affecting both its artistic value and its commercial potential.
In the claim, presented by himself without legal representation, the promoter demands 500 million dollars only in punitive damagein addition to additional compensation for other damages that the Court considers pertinent.
“The reputation of often has been tainted by insinuations and terms such as ‘sexual’, ‘annoyance’, ‘gay’ and ‘homosexual’ used in contexts that distort the real history of the group,” says McGillis, as stated in the judicial documents obtained by TMZ. Also, he denounces that NBC It was based almost exclusively on Rosselló’s testimony, who, according to him, was paid A substantial sum for participating in the documentary.
The promoter also tries to discredit Rosselló arguing that, after leaving often, the former member had drug addiction problems and maintained relations with older men who, according to McGillis, would have influenced their perception of the facts. These background, says the plaintiff, should have questioned his credibility as the main source of the documentary.
The documentary Menendez + What: Boys Betlayed It was produced as part of a new wave of content focused on cases of real crime and celebrity scandals.
Its premiere generated immediate attention due to the combination of two high impact themes: the cultural phenomenon that often represented in Latin America and the United States during the 80s, and the crime that shocked American society when the Menéndez brothers murdered their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989.
During the original trial, Erik’s defense and Ly Menéndez argued that they acted as a result of years of physical and sexual abuse by their father. This line of defense was widely questioned by the Prosecutor’s Office, which described the crime as motivated by economic interests. Rosselló’s statements have been seen by some as a possible Late support to the accusations of abuse against José Menéndez, although they have no direct legal implications on the closed case.
The criminal lawyer Alan Jacksoninterviewed in 2023 by TMZ LiveHe said that Rosselló’s statements could have weight in a media or documentary review of the case, but not necessarily in legal terms, given the lack of independent evidence and the testimonial nature of the story.
So far, NBCUniversal He has not issued any official comment on the demand. The company has also not confirmed whether Rosselló’s testimony was remunerated, nor has he responded to McGillis’s accusations about alleged omissions or lack of sources verification.
It is not the first time that the legacy of often faces controversies. In recent years, several former members have denounced abuses committed during their passage through the band, which was founded in Puerto Rico in the 70s by producer Edgardo Díaz. However, the NBC documentary approach has put a new magnifying glass on figures external to the group, such as José Menéndez, which has caused the rejection of some actors linked to its history.
The litigation initiated by McGillis could take months or even years to resolve, especially because it was presented without the support of a formal legal team. Legal experts consulted by US means have indicated that the amount claimed – 500 million dollars in punitive damage – is exceptionally high for a demand for this nature, and it will be the judge who determines whether there are sufficient foundations for the case to advance.
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