O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star and actor, died at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family in Las Vegas. Simpson was famously acquitted in the 1995 criminal trial for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, which was dubbed the “trial of the century.” Despite his acquittal, the case remained a focal point of national debate regarding the American justice system, race relations, and celebrity.

Following the criminal trial, Simpson faced legal challenges again when he was found liable for the deaths of Brown Simpson and Goldman in a civil lawsuit, resulting in a $33.5 million damages ruling against him. His legal troubles continued when he was convicted in 2008 for armed robbery and kidnapping over a dispute involving sports memorabilia in Las Vegas, leading to a 9-year prison sentence, from which he was released in 2017.

Simpson’s death has elicited a wide array of public reactions. While some remember him for his sports achievements, others focus on the controversial aspects of his life, especially relating to the criminal and civil trials. Notable public figures such as Caitlyn Jenner and Ron Goldman’s father, Fred Goldman, have expressed critical views regarding Simpson’s actions and the legal outcomes. The reactions highlight the lasting impact of Simpson’s trials on public opinion and societal issues such as race and justice in America.