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Topics: OJ Simpson, US News, True crime
Callum Jones
The estate of OJ Simpson has agreed to hand over a staggering sum of money to Ron Goldman’s father decades after the former NFL player was acquitted of his murder.
Simpson stood trial in 1994 for the murders of Goldman and Simpson’s wife Nicole Brown Simpson, a trial that was dubbed by many as the 'trial of the century'.
Despite being found not guilty, Simpson was found liable for the deaths in a civil suit brought by the families of Brown and Goldman.
The jury awarded the plaintiffs $33.5 million in damages following a seven-week trial. But in the end, the families would fail to recover most of that judgment.
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After Simpson was acquitted of the double murder in 1995, Malcolm Lavergne, the executor of the Simpson estate, has confirmed to the Daily Mail he has accepted to pay close to $58 million to Fred Goldman, Ron's father.
The lawyer informed the Nevada Probate Court of his intention to hand over the eye-watering payout, which is expected to come out between $70 million to $80 million with interest, according to Lavergne.
Michaelle Rafferty, representing the Goldman family, told the Daily Mail 'the executor's acceptance of the claim is a positive acknowledgement of the debt'.
The lawyer noted however it does not constitute payment' as the 'acceptance simply allows the administration of the claim to move forward in probate'.
"We will continue to monitor the probate process as it progresses," Rafferty said.
Simpson, who died at the age of 76 in April 2024, was battling cancer in his final years.
He said in May 2023: "So I had to do the whole chemo thing. I’m over the chemo... I’m healthy now. It looks like I beat it - I’m happy about that."
"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," a statement from the Simpson family read confirming his death.
"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."
Goldman's sister, Kim, and father, Ron, shared a statement with the MailOnline following his death.
"The news of Ron’s killer passing away is a mixed bag of complicated emotions and reminds us that the journey through grief is not linear," they said.
"For three decades we tirelessly pursued justice for Ron and Nicole, and despite a civil judgment and his confession in [Simpson's hypothetical memoir] If I Did It, the hope for true accountability has ended.
"We will continue to advocate for the rights of all victims and survivors, ensuring our voices are heard both within and beyond the courtroom. And despite his death, the mission continues; there's always more to be done."