Former NFL star O.J. Simpson passed away earlier this month at the age of 76, leaving behind $33.5 million in damages awarded in a civil trial for the 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Simpson’s attorney, Malcolm LaVergne, has been named executor of Simpson’s estate and has stated that he will do everything in his power to ensure that the Goldman family receives nothing. LaVergne’s comments have been met with criticism, particularly his characterization of the money owed to the families as “celebrity debt.”
Simpson’s will, filed in Nevada, outlines that after expenses are paid, the remaining assets will go into the Orenthal Simpson Revocable Living Trust, benefiting his four surviving children. However, the Goldman family may be entitled to a portion of the estate. In a Nevada probate, creditors have a specific period to file claims against the estate, and certain debts, such as those owed to the Brown and Goldman families, have priority over other debts. If there is money left after all expenses and debts are paid, the Goldmans’ judgment will be paid.
Simpson’s move to Florida in 2000 was seen as an attempt to protect his assets from creditors, as the state’s laws provide significant exemptions for debt collection. Even with a $33.5 million judgment against him, Simpson was able to retain various income sources, including pensions and other benefits. Although Simpson made attempts to profit off his crimes, legal action taken by the Goldman family prevented him from benefiting further from his notoriety.
In addition to his legal troubles related to the civil trial, Simpson faced further charges and was convicted in 2007 for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, Nevada. His tax obligations have also been a point of contention, with reports of outstanding debts owed to California and the IRS. The unresolved financial issues have left the Goldman family seeking ways to collect the judgment owed to them.
Fred Goldman, Ron Goldman’s father, has expressed frustration at the lack of payment from Simpson and has estimated the judgment, including unpaid interest, to be over $114 million. The family is looking at options to recover the money owed, including hiring an attorney in Nevada. It is also possible that assets in other jurisdictions, as well as interests in various limited liability companies, may need to be pursued to satisfy the judgment.
The complex nature of Simpson’s estate and the potential obstacles in collecting the judgment may result in a long and challenging process for the Goldman family. Despite their ongoing efforts to hold Simpson accountable for the deaths of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, they may ultimately receive very little from his estate. With Simpson’s passing, the hope for true accountability has dwindled, leaving the Goldman family to grapple with the unresolved financial and emotional aftermath of the tragic events of 1994.
