O.J. Simpson Appears in ‘In Memoriam’ Segment at BET Awards

O.J. Simpson was notably featured in the “In Memoriam” segment at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday night, creating a surprising moment for those in attendance.

As the audience applauded during the montage of honorees, a notable silence fell when Simpson’s photo appeared with the description “Former NFL Player.” The quiet moment was soon followed by a smattering of applause, but it was clear that many were taken aback by his inclusion, with some in the crowd even chuckling uncomfortably.

The “In Memoriam” segment also honored notable figures such as Bill Cobbs, Carl Weathers, Willie Mays, Clarence Avant, Maurice Hines, Richard Roundtree, Ron Cephas Jones, Rudolph Isley, Irish Grinstead of the group 702, Louis Gossett Jr., 2 Live Crew rapper Brother Marquis, and civil rights activist Dexter Scott King.

Simpson’s legacy remains contentious. Known initially as a college football star who later transitioned to professional sports, he was also an actor with roles in the Naked Gun franchise.

However, his reputation was permanently marred by the accusations of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. This high-profile case included a televised car chase and a subsequent trial that ended with his acquittal on murder charges.

O.J. Simpson passed away in April at the age of 76.