The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are demanding an apology after O.J. Simpson was included in the “In Memoriam” tribute at the BET Awards. The tribute, which aired during the awards ceremony on Sunday, aimed to honor notable figures who had passed away over the last year, celebrating “Black excellence.” However, the inclusion of O.J. Simpson, who died in April after battling prostate cancer, has sparked significant controversy.
O.J. Simpson, a former NFL star, is most infamously known for his involvement in the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Although he was acquitted in the criminal trial, he was found liable for their deaths in a civil trial. The moment his name and headshot appeared on the screen during the tribute, the applause from the audience abruptly stopped, leading to an awkward silence.
Fred Goldman, Ron’s father, expressed his disbelief and disappointment to TMZ, stating, “I can’t wrap my head around the tribute. There was absolutely no positive spin on his inclusion.” He added, “I think they shouldn’t include anyone of that caliber—a wife beater, murderer. Can’t imagine why they would include someone like that.”
Nicole’s sister, Tanya Brown, also voiced her outrage, calling the tribute “inappropriate.” She 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.”
BET has not yet commented on the backlash. The network’s decision to include Simpson in the tribute has not only upset the families of the victims but also sparked a wave of criticism from viewers. Many took to social media to express their disapproval, with some stating they nearly changed the channel when Simpson’s image appeared.
The controversy surrounding Simpson’s inclusion in the tribute is rooted in his notorious past. Simpson rose to fame as an NFL player but became one of the most infamous figures in U.S. history after being accused of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. His trial in 1995 was a media spectacle, and his acquittal in the criminal case was highly controversial. However, in a subsequent civil trial, 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 before his death.
The “In Memoriam” segment at the BET Awards included Simpson alongside other revered figures such as acting legend Louis Gossett Jr. and baseball icon Willie Mays. The stark contrast between Simpson and the other honorees has only fueled the outrage. Fred Goldman emphasized this point, telling NBC News, “It’s hard to imagine that he would fall in the same category as the vast majority of other people they honor.”
Tanya Brown echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology, and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired.” The families’ demands for an apology highlight the deep pain and unresolved issues stemming from the tragic events of 1994.
The public reaction has been mixed, with some viewers expressing shock and disapproval, while others defended the decision. One viewer wrote on social media, “I nearly changed the channel once O.J. 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?!?!”
Despite the backlash, some viewers appreciated the inclusion, with one person writing, “Shout out to BET for not being afraid to put O.J. Simpson in the rest in peace tribute.” This division in public opinion underscores the complexity of Simpson’s legacy and the ongoing debate about how to remember and honor controversial figures.
The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman continue to seek justice and recognition for their loved ones. Their demand for an apology from BET is a reminder of the enduring impact of domestic violence and the importance of sensitive and thoughtful tributes. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether BET will respond to the families’ demands and the public outcry.
Source: TMZ, NBC News
