OJ Simpson was once considered Kris Jenner’s “best friend” alongside his late wife Nicole Brown Simpson
The Kardashian family has a long history with OJ Simpson, which began long before his double murder trial.
The former athlete, who died on April 10 at age 76, became best friends with famed lawyer Robert Kardashian Sr. after the two met in college. The marriage also made Robert Sr.’s later ex-wife Kris Jenner one of OJ’s “best friends” – as she previously told PEOPLE – as well as best friends with his then-wife Nicole Brown Simpson. The Kardashian children even called her “aunt” and “uncle” at the height of the family friendship.
This relationship didn’t last forever, however – at least not for Jenner. When OJ was accused of murdering Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman, Jenner sided with her late friend. Meanwhile, Jenner’s husband Robert Sr. represented Simpson in his double murder trial.
Related: ‘KUWTK:’ Kris Jenner cries over ‘tasteless and disgusting’ rumors of affair with OJ Simpson
“Right before the trial started, Robert sat down and wrote us a handwritten letter and just said, ‘Look, I know you don’t agree with what’s going on here, but this is what I have to do for my friend,'” Jenner said during an appearance on a 2009 episode Dr Phil. “He believed in what he was doing and asked us for his support.”
The murder trial seemed to divide the Kardashian-Jenner family. Jenner even sat on Nicole’s side of the courtroom while her husband took on the defense. OJ was acquitted of the charges, although he was found liable for the deaths and paid millions to the victims’ families.
(LR) Kris Jenner and Nicole Brown Simpson.” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M_6TVitCt9QBQWSFfSuCfQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/ en/people_218/99c2d94b4f7ded3080b6a581b71c6b9d” class=”caas-img”/>
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
(L-R) Kris Jenner and Nicole Brown Simpson.
Kim Kardashian – who is now pursuing her own career as a lawyer – recalled standing by her father during the trial, while mother Jenner wrote in her 2011 memoir Kris Jenner … and everything about the Kardashians that Nicole Jenner had described years of physical abuse by OJ in detail in order to be able to act as a “witness” in the future if necessary.
Related: OJ Simpson dies of cancer at 76, family announces
“We always thought my father was the smartest person in the world and he really believed in his friend,” said Kim Rolling Stone in 2015.
Although OJ was acquitted of the double murder, he spent nine years in prison beginning in 2008 after being charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. He was released on parole in 2017 after serving the minimum sentence.
OJ Simpson consults with his friends Robert Kardashian and Alvin Michelson.” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jIe4ngcvUoPhVIs_ofPpRg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/d3f62349b6d4f7b25bba4fe75bc7a5f2″ class=”caas-img”/>
Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images
OJ Simpson consults with his friends Robert Kardashian and Alvin Michelson.
The relationship between the Kardashian family and OJ fell apart after the trial and Robert Sr.’s death, but their names remained linked in the media. Jenner previously denied rumors that she had an affair with OJ. Some rumors went so far as to claim he was Khloé Kardashian’s biological father.
“They printed a story saying I slept with OJ,” Jenner said in an earlier episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians“This damn shit. It’s really pathetic that the media breathes life into rumors when they arise, and on the anniversary of Nicole’s death. It’s so tasteless and disgusting.”
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OJ died of cancer, his family confirmed in a Statement on X April 11th.
“On April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren,” the family’s statement said. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
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