Former US footballer OJ Simpson, who acquitted the famous, widely watched trial in 1995, died at the age of 76.
Simpson’s family shared a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, April 11, confirming his death on Wednesday, April 10.
Simpson’s family statement said, “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. 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.”
According to Al Jazeera, US media outlets reported in February that Simpson is undergoing prostate cancer.
Moreover, he was known by the nickname “The Juice.”
Simpson won ‘The Heisman Trophy in 1968; after a year, he jumped into the National Football League (NFL) as Buffalo Bill’s number one pick.
But in 1994, he became a controversial figure after he was charged with the stabbing death of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.
His months-long trial, dubbed as the ‘trial of the century’, was televised and drew worldwide media attention.
Later, in 1995, he was acquitted of the double murder; the verdict divided the country as some view a miscarriage of justice, meanwhile others believed he was unfairly targeted by the racist police force.
Simpson told The New York Times, “I don’t think most of America believes I did it. I’ve gotten thousands of letters and telegrams from people supporting me.”
He played for the Buffalo Bills NFL UNTIL 1977.
Simpson retired in 1979 to concentrate on his film and television career.
