The Kardashian Family's Public Statements Regarding O.J. Simpson Throughout History

The Kardashian family members have seldom spoken publicly about O.J. Simpson, who was famously defended by the late Robert Kardashian during his high-profile trial.

Following the arrest of the former NFL player in 1994 in connection to the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, he brought Kardashian onto his legal team. Despite O.J. being found not guilty in his criminal trial, Kardashian admitted to Barbara Walters in 1996 that he had reservations about his former client’s acquittal.

Kardashian passed away from esophageal cancer in September 2003, but his connection to the trial has continued to impact his family.

In 1978, the late lawyer tied the knot with Kris Jenner. They had four children together: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian. However, Jenner and Kardashian ended their marriage in 1991.

Despite their split, the producer stayed in touch with Robert and their mutual friends, the Simpsons. However, after Nicole's murder, Jenner expressed her disapproval of her ex-husband's involvement in the case.

In an interview with Good Morning America in September 1995, Jenner stated, "The only thing I discuss with [Robert] is the children, we just keep it about the kids. Because I think what would happen is our opinions are so obviously black and white, that what is that going to do?"

During a 2009 appearance on Dr. Phil, Jenner opened up about the trial's impact on her family. She described it as "devastating," especially with Robert Kardashian on O.J.'s defense team while she mourned her girlfriend's death. Despite the challenges, Jenner emphasized the importance of sticking together as a family to prevent the situation from tearing them apart.

In April 2024, O.J.'s family confirmed his passing following a private battle with cancer.

Keep scrolling for more quotes from the family about their relationship to O.J.:

What Kardashians Have Said About OJ Simpson Over Years

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What the Kardashian Family Has Said About O.J. Simpson Over the Years

The Kardashian family members have shared rare thoughts about O.J. Simpson, who was famously represented by the late Robert Kardashian in court during his well-known trial.

After the former NFL player was arrested for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, in 1994, he asked Kardashian to join his legal team. While O.J. was eventually found not guilty in his criminal trial, Kardashian admitted to Barbara Walters in 1996 that he had some "doubts" about his former client's innocence.

Kardashian passed away from esophageal cancer in September 2003. However, his connection to the trial has continued to impact his family.

He tied the knot with Kris Jenner in 1978. Together, they had daughters Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, and Khloé Kardashian, as well as son Rob Kardashian. The couple ended their marriage in 1991.

Despite their separation, the producer stayed in touch with Robert and their shared friends, the Simpsons. However, after Nicole's tragic death, Jenner expressed her disapproval of her ex-husband's role in the case.

In an interview with Good Morning America in September 1995, Jenner mentioned, "The only topic I talk to [Robert] about is the children. We focus on the kids because our views are so different that discussing anything else would only lead to conflict."

During a 2009 appearance on Dr. Phil, Jenner expressed how the trial and its aftermath had a "devastating" impact on her family. She mentioned the challenging dynamics of having Robert Kardashian on the defense team while dealing with the loss of her girlfriend. Despite the difficult situation, the family came together and decided not to let it tear them apart.

In April 2024, O.J.'s family made the announcement of his passing after a private battle with cancer.

Keep scrolling for more quotes from the family about their relationship to O.J.:

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Kris and Robert Clashed Over the Trial

Kris remembered a moment before the trial when Robert wrote a handwritten letter to them. He acknowledged that they may not agree with his actions but explained that he was doing it for his friend. He genuinely believed in his cause and reached out for their support.

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It Was Hard on the Family

After Caitlyn divorced Robert, she married Kris in 1991. The tension in the family due to the trial also affected Caitlyn. She recalled a moment when her daughters, Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé, expressed their belief in Robert's innocence after the verdict. Caitlyn explained that just because he was found not guilty doesn't mean he didn't commit the crime. She had many discussions with Robert to prevent the situation from tearing the family apart.

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They Didn't Know What to Think

Khloé was just 9 years old when O.J. Simpson was arrested. She later admitted that she didn't fully grasp the situation. In a 2009 interview with E! True Hollywood Story, she shared, "O.J. was always our Uncle O.J., Nicole was my Auntie Nicole. You don't really know what to believe or how to perceive it. It's sad to see your parents go through so much pain for trying to be true friends."

What Kardashians Have Said About OJ Simpson Over Years

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Kris Believed Nicole

Kris always stood by her friend Nicole, who confided in her about the abuse she suffered from O.J. Simpson. In her 2011 memoir, Kris Jenner revealed that Nicole had documented years of abuse through photographs and other evidence. Nicole wanted someone close to her to be aware of the situation, so Kris became a witness.

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Team Dad

Kim ultimately chose to support her father during the trial because she trusted him wholeheartedly. In an interview with Rolling Stone in July 2015, she mentioned that she always believed her father was the smartest person and that he truly believed in his friend.

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They Don't Remember Much

Khloé shared that during the trial, Robert made sure to protect his younger children from the public eye. She mentioned in an interview with Access Hollywood in January 2016 that Kourtney and Kim were more involved and would accompany their dad to court frequently. As for Khloé and the younger siblings, they were kept sheltered from the situation. Being just 8 years old at the time, their focus was on playing and hanging out, so the details of the trial are not as vivid in their memories compared to Kourtney and Kim's.

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The Reunion

Kim reminisced about a meeting with O.J. in 2007, sharing with Jonathan Cheban that she, Kourtney, and Khloé had a heartfelt reunion with their parents' old friend. "We all ended up in tears," she recounted in September 2019.

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Kris vs. Robert

Kim shared with David Letterman in October 2020 that her mom strongly believed her friend was murdered by O.J. Simpson, causing deep trauma for her family. The situation caused a rift within her family, making it a difficult time. Despite this, when visiting her dad's house, she faced a different dynamic.

During the interview, Kim mentioned that she refrained from commenting on the case out of respect for O.J. and Nicole's children, Sydney and Justin. She expressed her care for them and emphasized that she would only speak out publicly if she needed to defend herself or a family member, being mindful of not causing harm to others.

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'A Stab in the Dark'

Kim has never publicly revealed her thoughts on whether O.J. Simpson committed a crime. However, during her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in October 2021, she faced criticism for making a joke about the former athlete in her monologue. She said, "It’s because of [my father] that I met my first Black person. Want to take a stab in the dark at who it was?” Kim added, “I know it’s sort of weird to remember the first Black person you met, but O.J. does leave a mark or several, or none at all. I still don’t know.”

After the show, Nicole's sister, Tanya Brown, told TMZ she thought the joke was in "poor taste."

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Nicole Confided in the Jenners

In November 2021, Caitlyn revealed that Nicole once confided in Kris about her fear of O.J. potentially harming her. Caitlyn, speaking on an episode of Big Brother VIP, shared that it was a challenging period. Nicole, who was Kris's close friend for a long time, had expressed her concerns to Kris. Just days before the tragic event, Caitlyn had visited Nicole's home. O.J. Simpson, the perpetrator, made disturbing threats to Nicole, believing he could escape consequences due to his fame. Nicole later told Kris about O.J.'s threats, sadly proving to be right in the end.

Editor's P/S:

The Kardashian family