Families outraged as OJ Simpson featured in 'inappropriate' BET Awards In Memoriam segment

OJ Simpson was featured in the In Memoriam segment at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, June 30, and now his late ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman's families are criticizing the network for doing so.

The segment was introduced as a moment to honor the Black excellence lost in the last year. Both families have spoken to TMZ about the late NFL star's inclusion in the tribute, "calling it entirely inappropriate."

Fred Goldman, Ron's father , told the publication that he "can't wrap his head around the O.J. tribute" and said there was "absolutely no positive spin on his inclusion in the segment."

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"I think they shouldn't include anyone of that calibre -- a wife beater, murderer ... can't imagine why they would include someone like that," Fred shared, adding that he thinks BET should issue an apology because it was a "slap in the face."

Nicole's sister Tanya also told TMZ that she believes "It's inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition."

Tanya added that whoever was in charge should face repercussions: "Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology...and that's including our family. And, they should be fired."

On June 12, 1994, Nicole was killed outside her Brentwood home, along with her friend Ron. Following a controversial and highly publicised trial, OJ was acquitted of the murders.

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When a photo of the football legend, who passed away in April after a valiant fight with cancer, appeared on the screen, it caught both the audience at the Peacock theatre and viewers at home by surprise. A hush descended upon the theatre, whilst social media users immediately took to X to post their reactions.

"OJ Simpson popped up on the screen and ppl in the audience didn't know what to do #BETAwards," someone pointed out.

"Lol OJ Simpson in memoriam for anything is WILD no matter how you slice it," commented one user. "OJ Simpson being honored....... We've lost the plot fr," remarked another.

"BET y'all have really lost y'all mind including Oj Simpson in the memorandum," chimed in another viewer.

However, some expressed approval of the inclusion, with comments such as: "Shout out to BET for not being afraid to put OJ Simpson in the rest in peace tribute."

"OJ Simpson popped up on the screen and ppl in the audience didn't know what to do #BETAwards,".

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