Top 10 Weirdest O.J. Trial Events
Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found murdered outside her Los Angeles condo in June 1994, a shocking crime that led to the trial of O.J. Simpson. The case, known as People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson, captivated the nation and introduced new terms and names into the public lexicon. Simpson, a former football star, pleaded "absolutely, 100% not guilty" and, after a lengthy and highly publicized trial, was found not guilty of the murders. By the time the verdict was announced on Oct. 3, 1995, the trial had cost Los Angeles more than $10 million. The proceedings were marked by intense media scrutiny and widespread public interest. The trial was filled with bizarre and unexpected events. Here are 10 of the most bizarre things that actually happened during the trial of O.J. Simpson.
1. The Low-Speed Chase
After the murders, a low-speed chase involving O.J. in a white Ford Bronco, driven by his friend Al Cowlings, captivated the nation. It ended with O.J.'s surrender at his home.
2. O.J.'s Book Release During the Trial
O.J. Simpson released a book titled "I Want to Tell You" on Jan. 7, 1995, while the trial was still underway. The book contained Simpson's responses to letters he received in jail and was an attempt to influence public perception.
3. The Racist Detective
Detective Mark Fuhrman, who discovered a blood-spattered glove at Simpson's estate, was revealed to have a history of using racist language and boasting about police brutality, undermining the prosecution's case.
4. TIME Magazine Controversy
TIME magazine faced backlash for darkening O.J.'s mug shot on their cover, accused of racially biasing the public against Simpson. The publication denied any racial intent, but the controversy persisted.
5. The Lie Detector Test
O.J. bombed a polygraph test arranged by his defense team, registering a -24. Polygraph results aren't admissible in court, but this failure likely influenced the defense's strategy.
6. The Glove Fiasco
A pivotal moment of the trial was when O.J. tried on the gloves found at the crime scene. They appeared to not fit, leading to Johnnie Cochran's famous line, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit."
7. Defense Team Home Makeover
O.J.'s defense team altered the decor of his home before the jury toured it, swapping out personal photos and adding African art to make him appear more culturally rooted.
8. Judge Ito's Celebrity
Judge Lance Ito enjoyed the spotlight, even inviting lawyers to watch comedic sketches about him. His desire for celebrity attention raised questions about his professionalism during such a serious trial.
9. Jury Turnover
Throughout the trial, 10 of the 27 jurors were dismissed. The final jury, consisting mainly of African American members, ultimately found O.J. not guilty, highlighting the trial's racial dynamics.
10. The Civil Suit
Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, O.J. was found liable for wrongful death in a civil trial and ordered to pay $33.5 million to the Goldman and Brown families, a debt he never fully paid.
The O.J. Simpson trial remains one of the most controversial and bizarre legal cases in American history. From a low-speed chase to accusations of racism and the unforgettable glove moment, the trial's many twists and turns captivated the world and left a lasting impact on the legal and cultural landscape.
