Nicole Brown Simpson’s sisters recently shared their complex feelings following the death of her ex-husband, O.J. Simpson.
O.J., who was famously acquitted of Nicole’s murder in the 1990s, passed away last month at 76 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a mixed legacy.
Speaking to People, Dominique Brown, 59, described their emotions as “very complicated,” noting, “This is a person who’s been in our life for a very long time, who wreaked havoc on our family. It’s like the end of a chapter.” Her sister Tanya, 54, echoed this sentiment.
The sisters recounted their first meeting with O.J. in 1977 when Nicole, then an aspiring model and photographer, introduced them. Dominique initially thought O.J. was “amazing” after watching him play for the Buffalo Bills. However, Denise, 66, recalled a disturbing incident where O.J. reacted violently after seeing Nicole kiss a friend on the cheek at a game. “He had her upstairs in the bathroom, crying. He said, ‘You embarrassed me.’”
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The relationship grew more troubled over time. Denise remembered O.J. derogatorily calling Nicole a “fat pig” during her pregnancy. Although Denise initially believed these were isolated incidents, the brutal reality came to light with Nicole’s murder in June 1994. “Oh my God, he did it. He finally did it,” Denise said upon hearing the news.
Tanya pointed to the DNA evidence presented at O.J.’s 1995 trial, including blood found in his car and at his home, which convinced her of his involvement in the deaths of Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman.
Dominique refrained from commenting on O.J.’s culpability out of consideration for Nicole’s children, Sydney and Justin Simpson, who were asleep in Nicole’s condo at the time of the murders.
Despite the dark times, Dominique recalled Nicole’s final years as a time of freedom and happiness. “There was this levity about her. She was glowing,” she said.
Although acquitted of the murders, O.J. was later found liable for the deaths of Nicole and Goldman in a civil lawsuit. At the time of his death, he was reportedly surrounded by his children and grandchildren. His last public appearance was in a Las Vegas restaurant in February. O.J. is survived by four children from two marriages and was predeceased by his daughter Aaren Simpson in 1979.
