The BET Awards have ignited a firestorm of controversy by including O.J. Simpson in their “In Memoriam” segment during the 2024 ceremony. The tribute, which aired on Sunday, has drawn sharp criticism from viewers and the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, who were murdered in 1994. Simpson, a former NFL star, was acquitted of the murders in a highly publicized trial but was later found civilly liable for their wrongful deaths.
Fred Goldman, Ron Goldman’s father, expressed his outrage to NBC News, stating, “I thought it was just wrong. It’s hard to imagine that he would fall in the same category as the vast majority of other people they honor.” Similarly, Tanya Brown, Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister, told TMZ, “It’s inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition. Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology … and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired.”
The “In Memoriam” segment, which also honored figures like Louis Gossett Jr. and Willie Mays, included Simpson with the label “Former NFL Player.” This inclusion led to a noticeable silence and uncomfortable laughter among the audience, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Viewers quickly took to social media to voice their disapproval. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “I nearly changed the channel once OJ Simpson popped up on the screen during that in memoriam at the BET Awards 2024. Like no…. He should have been excluded.” Another commented, “You put O.J. SIMPSON in the ‘In Memoriam’ slideshow, but not Andre Braugher?!?! Really, #BETAwards? REALLY?!?!”
The backlash was not limited to social media. Fred Goldman and Tanya Brown both demanded an apology from BET. Fred Goldman told TMZ, “I think they shouldn’t include anyone of that caliber — a wife beater, murderer … can’t imagine why they would include someone like that.” Tanya Brown echoed these sentiments, saying, “Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology … and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired.”
O.J. Simpson, who passed away from cancer in April at the age of 76, was a celebrated football player and media figure before his life took a dramatic turn. In 1994, he was accused of the brutal murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. The subsequent trial, often referred to as the “Trial of the Century,” captivated the nation and ended with Simpson’s acquittal in 1995. However, in a civil trial two years later, he was found liable for the wrongful deaths and ordered to pay $33 million to the Goldman family, a sum that was never fully paid.
The decision to include Simpson in the tribute has been seen by many as a disrespectful act towards the victims and their families. One viewer on Reddit wrote, “I can’t believe they gave that murdering monster that respect. Disgusting lack of empathy and compassion for the victims’ families and BET should be ashamed.” Another added, “Whoa. And the disrespect to the other individuals who were honored in memoriam and now this a—— has taken this beautiful moment from their family, friends, peers, and community. This f—– can’t even stop being abusive when he is dead.”
Simpson’s life after the trial was also marred by legal troubles. In 2007, he was arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping after breaking into a Las Vegas hotel room to retrieve sports memorabilia. He served nine years in a Nevada prison before being released in 2017.
The inclusion of Simpson in the “In Memoriam” segment has overshadowed the tributes to other notable figures who passed away this year. Tia Mowry, who introduced the segment, said, “It’s never easy to say goodbye to those who influence us. But we can take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge their contributions to the culture.” However, the focus quickly shifted to the controversy surrounding Simpson’s inclusion.
The BET Awards have yet to respond to the backlash, leaving many to wonder how such a decision was made. The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, along with countless viewers, are demanding accountability and an apology from the network.
The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of Simpson’s actions and the pain still felt by the families of his alleged victims. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how BET will address the widespread criticism and whether any changes will be made to future tributes.
Source: NBC News, TMZ, The Hollywood Reporter, RadarOnline.com, Daily Express
