The executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate has changed his position on preventing the payout of a $33.5 million judgment awarded by a jury to the families of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Attorney Malcolm LaVergne expressed his hope to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the Goldmans receive nothing in their case. He stated that he would do everything within his capacity as the executor or personal representative to ensure that they do not receive any compensation.
On Monday, LaVergne expressed a different opinion during a telephone call with The Hollywood Reporter.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ron Goldman’s father, Fred Goldman, will have his claim accepted and handled in accordance with Nevada law, as stated by LaVergne.
Simpson passed away on Wednesday without fulfilling the majority of the civil judgment that was granted in 1997, when the jury held him responsible. As his assets are expected to undergo the probate process, there is a possibility that the Goldman and Brown families may receive a portion of whatever Simpson left behind.
According to LaVergne, who had been Simpson’s representative since 2009, his remarks to the Review-Journal were not aimed at Fred Goldman, but rather at the lawyers representing him.
He expressed his initial reaction to the news of O.J.’s death, stating that within an hour, he began criticizing him. His instinct as an advocate was to confront the ongoing negative comments about O.J. even after his passing. However, he realized the harshness of his remarks and has since changed his perspective.
Simpson became famous and wealthy due to his achievements in football and show business. However, his reputation and impact on society were permanently altered following the tragic knife killings of his ex-wife and Ron Goldman in Los Angeles in June 1994. In 1995, he was cleared of criminal charges related to the incident.
Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff, has always maintained that the matter at hand was never about the money. Instead, it was solely about ensuring that Simpson faced the consequences of his actions. In a statement released on Thursday, Goldman expressed his belief that with Simpson’s passing, any hope for genuine accountability has been extinguished.
The Goldman and Brown families will have the same standing as other creditors, and they may even have a stronger claim. This is because Simpson’s estate will be settled according to the terms set by the trust created in January. The will specifically mentions Simpson’s four children and states that any beneficiary who tries to contest the provisions of the will “will only receive one dollar ($1.00) and nothing more, instead of any alleged interest in this will or its assets.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, LaVergne expressed his commitment to transparency with the families and his dedication to involving them in the process of organizing the estate. He emphasized his intention to keep them informed and engaged by openly sharing his progress and seeking their input.
Simpson has revealed that he relied solely on his NFL and private pensions for his living expenses. As a result of the jury award, numerous valuable possessions were seized from him. In order to cope with the financial burden, Simpson was compelled to auction off his Heisman Trophy, which ultimately sold for an impressive $230,000.
