OJ Simpson's 'Black excellence' honor at BET Awards' 'In Memoriam' segment confuses cheering crowd
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: OJ Simpson’s inclusion in the 2024 BET Awards' ‘In Memoriam’ segment got everyone a bit taken back.
The infamous NFL player and actor came up among the names of Clarence Avant, Willie Mays, Louis Gossett Jr, Carl Weathers, and Bill Cobbs.
OJ Simpson didn't get the loudest cheers during 2024 BET Awards' ‘In Memoriam’ segment
OJ Simpson didn’t receive the kind of applause like others when he appeared on the giant screen, reported TMZ.
The 'In Memoriam' segment was introduced as "honoring Black excellence that we unfortunately lost this year."
The in memoriam segment of the BET Awards honored OJ Simpson 👀 pic.twitter.com/TeDsgqF8wR
— Jennifer Mascia (@JenniferMascia) July 1, 2024
The former football icon died of prostate cancer at age 76 and spent months in hospice care.
Many remembered Simpson for his successful sporting career, while others for his acquittal as a double murderer in 1995.
Simpson's family announced his death on X (formerly Twitter) on April 11, one day after he died. He had been battling cancer since announcing the news in May 2023.
Days before his death, Simpson was released from hospice and sent home where he died surrounded by his close ones.
On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.
-The Simpson Family
Internet largely supports 'icon' OJ Simpson's honor at 2024 BET Awards
Netizens shared their honest opinion on OJ Simpson being acknowledged at the BET Awards ceremony.
One person defended the late sportsman on Facebook, “He’s still a legend. Accused of 1 bad thing and people forget everything else you ever did.”
“Even if he was found not guilty (not innocent there is a difference). We all heard the recordings and saw the pictures he beat her,” another speculated.
A supporter expressed, “I didn't watch it but I'm happy to hear they honored him.”
“They are honoring his professional achievements not his personal. Folks need to chill out,” another suggested.
“He was found not guilty by the court of law. One of the greatest RB of all time in the NFL,” one wrote.
“He was an icon in the Black community. We celebrate his accomplishments. Also, the judicial system found him not guilty,” penned another user.
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.
