The 2024 BET Awards sparked controversy for including the late OJ Simpson in the “In Memoriam” segment on Sunday (June 30). Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman’s families criticize BET for honoring O.J.
OJ passed away in April. He was charged with the 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole, and Goldman. .
Attendees and viewers of the BET Awards were surprised to see OJ appear in the “In Memoriam” segment. Nicole’s sister, Tanya Brown, is disgusted by BET’s decision to honor him.
“It’s not appropriate to acknowledge an abuser and a murderer,” Tanya told TMZ. “Whoever wants to do this should apologize to every domestic violence victim… and that includes our family members. And, they should be fired.
Haha, the OJ Simpson memorial is wild no matter how you slice it. https://t.co/WsiCVxCsHk pic.twitter.com/X8ric45Lv6
— Anna (@itsafronomics) July 1, 2024
The “In Memoriam” section was introduced as a “recognition of Black excellence” that was lost over the past year. The addition of OJ unnerved Goldman’s father, Fred.
“I don’t think they should include people of that caliber – wife beaters, murderers,” Fred said. “Can’t imagine why they would invite someone like that.”
OJ is listed as a “Former NFL Player” in the BET Awards section. While this is an accurate description, it does not fully reflect the nature of his complex legacy.
