The executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate, Malcolm LaVergne, has made it clear that he intends to work diligently to prevent a payout of a $33.5 million judgment awarded by a California civil jury nearly three decades ago in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.
Legal Maneuvers and Estate Planning
Simpson’s will, which was filed in a Clark County court in Nevada, has named his longtime lawyer, Malcolm LaVergne, as the executor. It is revealed that Simpson’s property was placed into a trust that was established this year. However, the entirety of Simpson’s estate’s value has not been fully calculated yet. Under Nevada law, any estate with assets exceeding $20,000 must follow the court probate process.
Fighting Against the Goldman Family
LaVergne has expressed his strong desire to prevent the Goldman family from receiving any money from Simpson’s estate. In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he stated, “It’s my hope that the Goldmans get zero, nothing.” LaVergne is determined to ensure that the Goldman family does not benefit from Simpson’s estate in any way.
Despite the Brown and Goldman families advocating for payment, LaVergne has emphasized that there was never a court order mandating Simpson to pay the civil judgment. He has mentioned that his personal animosity towards the Goldman family stems from the controversial events surrounding Simpson’s intended book, “If I Did It.”
A Legacy Shrouded in Controversy
O.J. Simpson, once a renowned figure in football and entertainment, saw his reputation tarnished by the tragic events of June 1994 when his ex-wife and Ron Goldman were brutally murdered in Los Angeles. Although acquitted of criminal charges in 1995, the public remained captivated by the trial and its aftermath.
Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff representing the Goldman family, has consistently expressed that the issue was not about the money but about holding Simpson accountable for his actions. With Simpson’s passing, the hopes for true accountability have dwindled, leaving the families seeking closure through other means.
Estate Settlement and Beneficiaries
As Simpson’s estate goes through the settlement process specified in the trust established in January, the Goldman and Brown families will be treated equally with other creditors. The will highlights Simpson’s four children as beneficiaries and includes a provision stating that any beneficiary contesting the will’s terms will only receive one dollar in lieu of any further claim.
Simpson has declared that he solely relied on his NFL and private pensions for his living expenses. Following the jury award, numerous valuable possessions were seized, and Simpson was compelled to auction his Heisman Trophy to alleviate the financial burden, fetching $230,000 in the process.
With the battle over O.J. Simpson’s estate intensifying, the legal complexities and personal conflicts surrounding the case continue to unfold, leaving the fate of the $33.5 million judgment uncertain and the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in a prolonged struggle for justice.
Leave a Reply