The 1995 acquittal of O.J. Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman, was widely known as “The Trial of the Century.” While Simpson was acquitted at his criminal trial, a California civil jury later awarded the families of Nicole and Goldman $33.5 million after a wrongful death lawsuit. However, Simpson passed away without having paid the majority of the money from the judgment. His will was filed in Nevada, with Malcolm LaVergne listed as the executor of his estate. Simpson’s assets will go through the court probate process, with the Goldman and Brown families possibly receiving a portion of whatever Simpson left behind.
LaVergne stated that he did not want the Goldman family to receive any money from Simpson’s estate. He expressed his determination to ensure that they receive nothing, although the Brown and Goldman families have been pushing for payment. LaVergne’s anger towards the Goldman family stems in part from events surrounding Simpson’s planned book, “If I Did It.” The book, originally titled “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer,” was eventually controlled by the Goldman family. Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff, emphasized that their goal was not about the money but holding Simpson accountable. Following Simpson’s passing, Fred Goldman stated that the hope for true accountability had ended.
Simpson claimed that he lived solely on his NFL and private pensions, as hundreds of valuable possessions were seized to pay off the civil judgment. He was even forced to auction off his Heisman Trophy, fetching $230,000. Despite the push for payment by the Brown and Goldman families, there was never a court order compelling Simpson to pay the civil judgment. LaVergne’s stance on ensuring that the Goldman family does not receive any money from Simpson’s estate has caused controversy and further animosity between the parties involved. With Simpson’s assets going through the probate process, it remains to be seen how much, if any, of the civil judgment will be paid out to the Brown and Goldman families.
The attorney representing Simpson, Malcolm LaVergne, has made it clear that he will do everything in his capacity as the executor of Simpson’s estate to prevent the Goldman family from receiving any money. Despite the efforts of the Brown and Goldman families to seek accountability through the civil judgment, there has never been a court order forcing Simpson to pay. The bitterness between the parties continues, with the Goldman family’s hope for true accountability being shattered following Simpson’s death. As Simpson’s assets go through the probate process, it remains unclear how much will be paid out to the families, if anything at all. Simpson’s passing has reignited the tensions surrounding the infamous trial and the aftermath of the civil judgment.
