Internet slammed Donald Trump after 2008 interview resurfaced revealing he wanted OJ Simpson on 'Celebrity Apprentice'

Simpson's controversial acquittal for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman, had largely ostracized him from society
PUBLISHED APR 14, 2024
Internet's focus has shifted to Donald Trump's July 2008 interview with Howard Stern, where the former president openly expressed his desire to bring OJ Simpson onto 'Celebrity Apprentice' to enhance ratings (Getty Images)
Internet's focus has shifted to Donald Trump's July 2008 interview with Howard Stern, where the former president openly expressed his desire to bring OJ Simpson onto 'Celebrity Apprentice' to enhance ratings (Getty Images)

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: The recent demise of infamous American football star, OJ Simpson, has sparked renewed interest in former US President Donald Trump's attempts to get Simpson on his reality TV show, ‘Celebrity Apprentice.’

Trump's July 2008 interview with Howard Stern has resurfaced in various media outlets, highlighting his rationale behind the move, citing the need for better ratings.



 

Simpson's controversial acquittal for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman, had largely ostracized him from society.

A subsequent civil trial found him liable for their deaths, according to HuffPost.

In this handout, American football running back, broadcaster, actor, and advertising spokesman OJ Simpson in a mug shot following his arrest in Los Angeles, California, US, 17th June 1994. (Photo by Kypros/Getty Images)
American football running back, broadcaster, actor, and advertising spokesman OJ Simpson in a mug shot following his arrest in Los Angeles, California, US, 17th June 1994 (Photo by Kypros/Getty Images)

Simpson's reputation was further tarnished when he was arrested for his involvement in an armed robbery mere months before Trump's interview with Stern.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was later convicted and served a nine-year prison sentence.

What did Donald Trump say about OJ Simpson on the Howard Stern Show in 2008?

According to CNN, Donald Trump told Howard Stern, “I do have to tell you about OJ and ‘The Apprentice.’ NBC went totally crazy when I wanted to put OJ on ‘The Apprentice.’”

Stern asked then-reality show host Trump, “Why would you put him on The Apprentice?”

“Well, you know, in your business, there’s a thing called ratings,” Trump explained.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Team Trump (@teamtrump)


 

“I know this: If I put OJ on, huge ratings,” the future POTUS remarked.

Stern added, “You’ll have the biggest season ever.”

Trump continued, “Oh, forget it, 35 million people. OJ would have done it.”


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Team Trump (@teamtrump)


 

When Stern questioned Trump about whether he had discussed the employment opportunity with Simpson, the real estate magnate refused to respond.

“I hadn’t spoken to him in years. I don’t like people that kill their wives,” Trump claimed, per Mediaite. “Does that make sense? Does that make me a disloyal person?”

NBC reported further that Donald Trump did indeed contact OJ Simpson.

Portrait of American former foorball player OJ Simpson and his wife, Nicole Brown (1959 - 1994), as they attend a party at the Harley Davidson Cafe, New York, New York, 1993. Simpson was tried for the murder of his wife (on June 12, 1994) and, though he was acquitted in the murder trial, he was found guilty of wrongful death in a subsequent civil suit--still later, he was found guilty of other felony charges (unrelated to the murder) and convicted in 2008. (Photo by Rose Hartman/Getty Images)
OJ Simpson was tried for the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown (on June 12, 1994) (Photo by Rose Hartman/Getty Images)

A few months before the Stern interview, a network spokesperson confirmed that Trump and Simpson had a conversation, but she didn't know what the "outcome" of the discussion was.

However, the spokesperson had made it clear that the network had a say on the matter.

“NBC representatives have never considered OJ Simpson for the next season of ‘The Apprentice,’ nor will,” the spokesperson stated.

LOVELOCK, NV - JULY 20: O.J. Simpson attends a parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center July 2
OJ Simpson's association with former President Donald Trump resurfaced following the notorious American football star's demise on April 10, 2024 (Getty Images)

Trump and Simpson were once close acquaintances. In fact, Trump extended an invitation to the former NFL star to attend his wedding to Marla Maples in December 1993.

However, their relationship took a turn for the worse when Simpson's ex-wife and her friend, Goldman, were found brutally murdered in June 1994.

Internet blasts Trump for considering OJ Simpson to appear on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’

People on X lambasted the former reality TV host for his willingness to bring in the notorious American football player on his NBC show to boost ratings.

One X user remarked, "Birds of a feather flock together."



 

Another user said, "He salivates over people who get away with any crime, especially murder."



 

Another user wrote, "The company Trump keeps tells all."



 

One user claimed, "OJ probably offered him something."



 

Another X user quipped, "So he could fire him."



 

One more user tweeted, "People with no morals only like other people with no morals. Hence the wedding invitation."



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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