Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story star Cooper Koch has confirmed that he is in a relationship, sending shockwaves through his fanbase.
Two years after starring in the 2022 queer body horror Swallowed, out gay actor Cooper Koch has firmly established himself as a rising star. His latest role in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Monsters, which dramatises the 1989 murders committed by Lyle and Erik Menendez, has thrust him further into the spotlight. In addition to the attention from the show, Koch made headlines by confirming that he did not use a prosthetic for the series’ nude shower scene.
However, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Koch shattered the hopes of many admirers. A fan asked, “Do you have a boyfriend, and if not, how has your dating life changed since Monsters came out?” Koch replied, “Good question; I do have a boyfriend.” Adding a playful jab, he looked into the camera and apologised with a “Sorry,” accompanied by a fake crying gesture, much to the disappointment of his fanbase.
Cohen chimed in with support, saying, “Good for you, Cooper,” while fans could only dream of Koch’s mystery partner.
Monsters has not been without controversy. Some viewers, along with Erik Menendez himself—whom Koch portrays—have criticised the show, calling it “naive and inaccurate” and accusing it of leaning into “incestuous fetish porn.”
Koch responded to the backlash in an interview with Variety, saying that Erik’s reaction “definitely affected me and made me feel things.” He expressed empathy, noting, “I understand how difficult it would be to have the worst part of your life televised for millions to see. It’s so exposing. I understand how he feels, and I stand by him.”
The actor also spoke about his approach to the role, emphasising his effort to research deeply and portray Erik with integrity: “I wanted to be as authentic as possible, to support him, his family, and those who stand with him.”
Ryan Murphy, however, had a different take. He told The Hollywood Reporter that Erik Menendez “should be sending [him] flowers” for the renewed attention the series has brought to the brothers. He noted, “They haven’t had this much attention in 30 years… people all over the world are now interested in their lives.” Murphy added that many have offered help to the brothers because of the show’s widespread impact.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is currently streaming on Netflix.
