Families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman Demand Apology After O.J. Simpson Was Included in Tribute at BET Awards

BET

The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are outraged after O.J. Simpson was included in the “In Memoriam” tribute at the BET Awards.

Like most award shows, the BET Awards on Sunday took a moment to honor the deaths of some of the industry’s most important figures over the last year. For that award show specifically, the tribute was dedicating to honoring “Black excellence.”

Throughout most of the tribute, the crowd gave a round of applause to each new name that appeared on screen. When O.J.’s name and headshot appeared, however, the applause briefly stopped and there was an awkward silence.

O.J., who died in April after battling prostate cancer, is most commonly known for his involvement in the murders of Nicole and Goldman. Though he was acquitted in the criminal trial, he was found liable for their deaths in a civil trial.

After the airing of the BET Awards, the families expressed to TMZ how disappointed they were with O.J.’s inclusion.

Fred Goldman , Ron’s father, said he “cant wrap his head around” the tribute, stating “there was absolutely no positive spin on his inclusion.”

“I think they shouldn’t include anyone of that caliber — a wife beater, murderer,” Fred said. “Can’t imagine why they would include someone like that.”

Nicole’s sister Tanya called it “inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition.”

“Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology,” Tanya said, “and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired.”

BET has not commented on the backlash for the tribute.