The death of OJ Simpson: From Caitlyn Jenner to Magic Johnson, here's how celebrities reacted

The death of OJ Simpson: From Caitlyn Jenner to Magic Johnson, here's how celebs and sporting world reacted
OJ Simpson died at the age of 76 (Photo by Jason Bean-Pool/Getty Images)

OJ Simpson's death elicits varied reactions from celebrities

LOVELOCK, NV - JULY 20: O.J. Simpson attends a parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center July 2
The ensuing criminal trial, famously dubbed the 'trial of the century,' captivated audiences worldwide and fueled intense debates about race, justice, and the legal system (Getty Images)

OJ Simpson's death has sparked a flurry of reactions across the media, with public figures and individuals connected to him expressing a range of sentiments reflecting the enduring controversy surrounding his life and legacy. Simpson died at the age of 76 from complications related to prostate cancer, as confirmed by his agent to CBS News. A former National Football League star, actor, and broadcaster, Simpson gained global attention in 1994 when he was accused of the double murder of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. The ensuing criminal trial, famously dubbed the "Trial of the Century," captivated audiences worldwide and fueled intense debates about race, justice, and the legal system. 

1) Caitlyn Jenner

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Caitlyn Jenner attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hos
(Getty Images)

Caitlyn Jenner, who wed Kris Jenner following her divorce from OJ Simpson pal Robert Kardashian, reacted promptly on social media to the news, tweeting, "Good Riddance #OJSimpson." Jenner was among the first to react on social media to the news of the death.

2) Whoopi Goldberg

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01:  Whoopi Goldberg   arrives at 55th Annual CLIO Awards at Cipriani Wall St
On The View, Whoopi Goldberg shared the news with viewers (Getty Images)

During Thursday's episode of 'The View', the hosts began by discussing OJ Simpson's death. Whoopi Goldberg informed viewers of the news, saying, “Just before we went on air today, news broke that OJ Simpson has passed away. He was battling cancer. We didn’t want you to not know because we just got [the news.]" Sunny Hostin reflected on how the 'Trial of the Century' inspired her to become a prosecutor. "I remember feeling a great sense of injustice happened. It's one of the reasons I became a prosecutor," Hostin said, referring to Simpson's acquittal. "For me, the tragedy was the injustice."

3) Alyssa Farah Griffin

(Instagram@alyssafarah)
Griffin expressed hope that Simpson's passing brings some peace to the victims' families (Instagram@alyssafarah)

Alyssa Farah Griffin shared her memories of watching the infamous police car chase as a 5-year-old, along with Princess Diana's death, which left a lasting impression on her. She said on 'The View', “I hope it gives some peace to the family of the victims. I agree it was a miscarriage of justice. I hope it helps them to find peace.”

4) Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson visits on set of the pregame show prior to the Thursday Night Football game on Amazon Prime at FedEx Field on October 5, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
  Magic Johnson expressed sympathy for O.J. Simpson and his family (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Magic Johnson expressed sympathy for OJ Simpson and his family. He shared a message on X, stating, "Cookie and I are praying for O.J. Simpson’s children Arnelle, Aaren, Justin, Jason, and Sydney and his grandchildren following his passing. I know this is a difficult time."

5) Jeffrey Toobin 

Jeffrey Toobin attends PEN America's 2018 Literary Gala at American Museum of Natural History on May 22, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Manny Carabel/WireImage)
Jeffrey Toobin made a poignant statement on Twitter.(Photo by Manny Carabel/WireImage)

American lawyer and author Jeffrey Toobin made a scathing statement on X, emphasizing, "The most important thing to remember about O.J. Simpson is that he killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman."

6) Jim Porter

President at Pro Football Hall of Fame Jim Porter, wearing The Covenant School ribbon, attends the Pro Football Hall Of Fame's Family Recovery Fund charity concert and dinner with proceeds benefiting the Covenant School at The Twelve Thirty Club on April 04, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
President at Pro Football Hall of Fame Jim Porter talked about O.J. Simpson's legacy.(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Many athletes also paid tribute to OJ Simpson's legacy, highlighting his groundbreaking achievements on the field. Jim Porter, president of the Professional Football Hall of Fame, remarked, "O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards. His on-field contributions will be preserved in the hall's archives in Canton, Ohio."

7) David Zucker

(thedavidzucker/Instagram)
David Zucker directed Simpson in two Naked Gun movies,(thedavidzucker/Instagram)

David Zucker, known for directing OJ Simpson in two 'Naked Gun' movies, paid tribute to the actor on Instagram, saying, "R.I.P. Nordberg. 'His acting was a lot like his murdering: He got away with it, but no one believed him.'"

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