The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are demanding an apology after a tribute to O.J. Simpson aired at the BET Awards.
Simpson, 76, who was famously acquitted of Goldman and Brown's murders, succumbed to prostate cancer on April 10.
Though he was found "not guilty" at the criminal trial, he was found liable for their deaths in a civil trial. On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.
-The Simpson Family
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
During Sunday's awards ceremony, Simpson was included in the “In Memoriam” tribute to "Black Excellence," which featured famous black people who had passed since last year's show. O.J. Simpson featured during the “In Memoriam” segment at last night’s BET Awards, shocking many in the audience. pic.twitter.com/bgxCToRoAI
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 1, 2024
As the tribute played, each person honored was applauded, but the crowd fell awkwardly silent when Simpson appeared on the screen.
Speaking to TMZ, Fred Goldman, Ron's father, said he "can't wrap his head around the O.J. tribute" and "there was absolutely no positive spin on his inclusion in the segment, which was introduced as honoring Black excellence lost in the last year." He added that the network should issue an apology and said, "I think they shouldn't include anyone of that caliber -- a wife beater, murderer … can't imagine why they would include someone like that."
Brown's sister Tanya told TMZ, "It's inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition." Nicole Brown’s sister reacts to the BET Awards including O.J. Simpson in their ‘In Memoriam’ segment:
“It’s inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition.” (via TMZ) pic.twitter.com/JXYJdojZhU
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 1, 2024
"Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology…and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired," she continued.
TMZ said they contacted BET for comment but did not receive a response. SCNR has also contacted BET for comment and will update this story if one is provided.
