O.J. Simpson’s Estate Faces A Haunting Twist 31 Years Later
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on November 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM EST
More than three decades after the wrongful death judgment that marked one of the most enduring legal battles in American history, O.J. Simpson’s estate is now facing a dramatic new chapter.
The late NFL star, who died still owing tens of millions to the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, left behind a financial legacy more unsettled than ever.
This week, a major move inside the probate process reopened old wounds and pushed the long-delayed fight for accountability back into public view.
O.J. Simpson Estate Accepts Major Claim From Fred Goldman
The estate of O.J. Simpson has formally accepted a multimillion-dollar creditor claim filed by Fred Goldman, the father of Ron Goldman, 31 years after the Goldman family won their wrongful death suit against the actor.
According to paperwork filed by estate executor Malcolm LaVergne in the Clark County District Court in Nevada and obtained by PEOPLE, the accepted claim totals $57,997,858.12, “plus judgment interest on the approved amount.”
Fred originally filed for more than $117 million, but LaVergne stated in the documents that he believes Fred’s interest calculations, though “done in good faith,” were inaccurate.
He added that he will continue working with Fred to determine a “more accurate” amount.
The executor also told TMZ that the estate intends to pay out as much as possible, supported by ongoing auctions of O.J.’s belongings.
O.J.’s Estate Begins Asset Recovery And Auction Efforts
LaVergne revealed that as part of addressing the long-outstanding judgment against O.J. Simpson, the estate has already begun auctioning off items to generate funds for repayment.
While discussing the process with the outlet, he claimed that certain items belonging to the estate had been stolen and shared.
The executor noted that he is working with lawyers to regain possession of them so they can be included in the liquidation efforts.
He stated that the estate’s goal is to pay out as much of the accepted amount as possible.
LaVergne also indicated that he plans to ask the court to award Ron’s estate a fee for advising him on how to run the probate process.
In response to the accepted claim, the Goldman family’s attorney, Michaelle Rafferty, said, “The Executor’s acceptance of the claim is a positive acknowledgement of the debt. It does not constitute payment,” emphasizing that probate administration is still ongoing.
O.J. Simpson Wrongful Death Judgment Still Unpaid After Decades
O.J. was acquitted in 1995 of the stabbing deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron but the following year, the Goldman and Brown families pursued a civil case that resulted in a judgment of more than $33 million.
Despite that ruling, the “Capricorn One” star paid very little of what he owed during his lifetime.
When he died of cancer in April 2024 at age 76, the debt remained largely outstanding.
David Cook, Fred’s attorney, told PEOPLE, “He [O.J.] died without penance. He did not want to give a dime, a nickel to Fred, never, anything, never.”
Cook added that former lawyers attempted to pursue NFL pensions O.J. received, but “went nowhere with it.”
The families also looked into the star’s possible trusts, yet consistently encountered obstacles.
O.J.’s Death Rekindles Pain For Goldman Family
Following the news of O.J. Simpson’s death, Fred reflected on the enduring pain tied to his son Ron’s murder and the decades-long legal struggle that followed.
Speaking to PEOPLE, he said O.J.’s passing served as a reminder of his loss.
“This is just a reminder for us of how long Ron has been gone, how long we have missed him and nothing more than that,” he shared. “That is the only thing that is important today. It is the pain from then until now. There is nothing today that is more important than the loss of my son and the loss of Nicole. Nothing is more important than that.”
O.J. Simpson’s Estate Sells Kim Kardashian’s Dad’s Bible
The new revelations come months after O.J. 's estate sparked fresh drama after selling Robert Kardashian Sr.’s Bible, even though Kim Kardashian personally tried to buy it back.
In March, The Blast reported that Kim quietly offered $15,000 to reclaim the cherished item, but executor LaVergne rejected it because the Bible was already locked into an auction contract.
Instead, it sold for $65,800 (over $80,000 with fees), drawing far more attention than expected. The book wasn’t just any keepsake as it was inscribed with a touching handwritten note Robert Sr. gave O.J. on June 18, 1994.
“O.J., this book will help. … God has a definite plan for your life. … I love you and God loves you,” the note read.
Kim later admitted on “The Kardashians” that she assumed her offer would be accepted, saying she would’ve negotiated and had a little too much faith in humanity.
