O.J. Simpson, the former American football star, passed away at the age of 76 after battling prostate cancer. Despite his fame on the football field, Simpson gained even greater notoriety due to his highly publicized trial for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. After a decline in his health, Simpson was placed in hospice care, where he ultimately succumbed to cancer. His family confirmed his death, urging privacy and grace during their time of mourning.
Simpson’s trial in 1994, often dubbed “the trial of the century,” captured the attention of the nation. Despite being acquitted of the murders by a predominantly Black jury, he was later found liable for the deaths in a civil court and ordered to pay over $30 million to the victims’ families. However, he only paid a fraction of this amount before his death, leaving a significant portion of the debt unsettled.
Financially, Simpson’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million, primarily derived from various sources including pensions. His income streams, including Social Security, a Screen Actors Guild pension, and an NFL pension, provided him with a stable financial foundation, shielded from creditors and legal claims.
Despite his wealth, Simpson’s fortunes dwindled due to legal fees and court settlements, notably from the aftermath of his highly publicized trial. His marriage to Nicole also played a significant role in his financial affairs, with court documents revealing details of their divorce settlement, which notably reduced his wealth.
Regarding inheritance, Simpson’s fortune is expected to pass on to his four surviving children: Sydney, Jason, Justin, and Arnelle Simpson. One of his children, Aaren, tragically died in a swimming pool accident in 1979. However, the Goldman family, relentless in their pursuit of justice, secured control over Simpson’s book manuscript, retitling it “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer,” ultimately reaping financial benefits from its publication.
Fred Goldman, Ron Goldman’s father, continues to pursue the outstanding judgment against Simpson, alleging that he owes a staggering $96 million due to accumulating interest on the initial award. Despite ongoing efforts, Simpson has reportedly paid only a fraction of the total amount owed, leaving the majority of the judgment unsettled as of February 2021.