The recent revelation about the executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate working to prevent a $33.5 million judgment payout awarded by a California civil jury almost thirty years ago in a wrongful death lawsuit is causing a stir. The executor, named Malcolm LaVergne, has filed Simpson’s will in a Clark County court in Nevada, which indicates that Simpson’s property was placed into a trust only this year. This move is significant, as it suggests a strategic move by LaVergne to safeguard Simpson’s assets from the hefty civil judgment.
Under Nevada law, any estate worth over $20,000 must go through the courts for probate. Simpson’s estate, which has not been fully accounted for, far exceeds this threshold. That being said, the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, who are owed the civil judgment, could potentially claim a portion of whatever assets are left behind by Simpson. LaVergne has publicly stated his intention to prevent the Goldman family from receiving any portion of Simpson’s estate, emphasizing that he will use his role as executor to ensure they receive nothing.
Despite the push for payment by the Brown and Goldman families, LaVergne has highlighted that there was never a court order mandating Simpson to fulfill the civil judgment. This legal loophole has fueled his determination to block any monetary gains for the Goldman family specifically. The animosity towards them stems from the backlash surrounding Simpson’s controversial book, “If I Did It,” which the Goldman family rebranded as “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer.” This rebranding added insult to injury for LaVergne and Simpson.
O.J. Simpson’s legacy has been marred by the tragic events of June 1994, where his ex-wife and her friend were brutally murdered. Despite being acquitted of criminal charges in 1995, the shadow of suspicion has followed him ever since. Simpson’s financial status, as indicated in his will, consisted primarily of NFL and private pensions. The auctioning off of his valuable possessions, including his Heisman Trophy, was a direct result of the civil judgment that loomed over him.
Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff representing his son’s interests, has consistently emphasized that the civil judgment was never about the money but about holding Simpson accountable. With Simpson’s passing, the hope for true accountability seems to have diminished. As the estate undergoes settlement, the Brown and Goldman families will have a significant claim to whatever assets remain, particularly under the terms dictated by the trust established earlier this year. It is clear that the legal battles and emotional turmoil surrounding O.J. Simpson’s estate are far from over.
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