OJ Simpson: remembered as a (flawed) hero or a villain?

OJ Simpson honored

The question of how to view a celebrity after they commit a crime or ethically dubious act is still under debate. The 2024 BET Awards were mired in controversy after the gala paid tribute to former NFL player OJ Simpson.

Along with other deceased Black artists

During the awards, one of the presenters introduced the video for 'In Memoriam', presenting "the Black excellence that we, unfortunately, lost this year."

Awkward silence

Those attending the awards applauded each character that appeared on screen. However, when the image of OJ Simpson appeared, one could hear an awkward silence and some hesitant claps.

Photo: JenniferMascia / X

Fury of Nicole Brown's relatives

The media were flooded with negative comments towards the award ceremony. Tanya Brown, Nichole's sister, also criticized the video, telling TMZ that it was "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."

"Shouldn't include anyone of that caliber"

The father of Ron Goldman, Brown's friend who was also murdered, had similar words to describe the video at the gala: "I think they shouldn't include anyone of that caliber - a wife beater, murderer… can't imagine why they would include someone like that," he told TMZ.

Tweets criticizing the decision

"I almost changed the channel once OJ Simpson appeared on screen during that in memoriam at the 2024 Bet Awards," a viewer tweeted. "I mean, no... He should have been excluded."

"You put OJ SIMPSON in the 'In Memoriam' slideshow but not Andre Braugher?! Seriously, #BETAwards?! REALLY?!" wrote another.

And there were many more such comments on social media platform X.

A gruesome, historic murder case

Nicole Brown, 35, and Goldman, 25, were found stabbed to death in front of their Los Angeles home in 1994. OJ Simpson, an NFL athlete and actor, was the murder suspect. He tried to prevent his arrest in an hour-long televised police chase.

Media trial

His 1995 trial, broadcast daily in millions of homes, became a public spectacle and a cultural milestone.

Acquitted but guilty in civil case

Simpson's legal team managed to get him acquitted in the criminal case. However, two years later, he was found civilly liable for manslaughter and had to pay damages to the victims' families.

Notoriety and death

A jury ordered Simpson to pay $33 million to Goldman's family in the civil case. However, until the celebrity's death, they were never paid in full. Simpson died of cancer at age 76 in April 2024.

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