Yahoo News O.J. Simpson Featured During “In Memoriam” Segment at BET Awards
O.J. Simpson was among those featured in the “In Memoriam” segment at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday night — a move that came as a surprise to some in attendance.
The audience had been applauding as photos were shown during the montage. But when Simpson’s image came onscreen, with the identifying description of “Former NFL Player,” a noticeable silence fell over the crowd.
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A moment later, there was a smattering of applause, but many in the audience were a bit surprised to see his face, with one person in attendance noticing some titters among the crowd.
Among the luminaries featured in the “In Memoriam” segment were Bill Cobbs, Carl Weathers, Willie Mays, Clarence Avant, Maurice Hines, Richard Roundtree, Ron Cephas Jones, Rudolph Isley, Irish Grinstead of the group 702, Louis Gossett Jr., 2 Live Crew rapper Brother Marquis and civil rights activist Dexter Scott King.
In addition to being a college football star turned pro athlete, Simpson, of course, was an actor, most notably appearing in the Naked Gun franchise.
But his legacy will forever be tarnished after he was accused of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman amid a high-profile televised car chase and trial in which O.J. Simpson was ultimately acquitted of murder charges.
The families of Brown and Goldman criticized BET for including Simpson. Ron’s father, Fred, 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.”
Echoed Nicole’s sister, Tanya, to TMZ: “It’s inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition.” She added: Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology … and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired.”
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to BET for comment.
Simpson died in April at age 76.
10:58 a.m. July 1: Added statements from the Goldman and Brown families.
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