Following the death of O.J. Simpson, resurfaced footage from Oprah's live show reveals just how divided people were about the outcome of the case.
Simpson passed away on April 10 at the age of 76, following a battle with cancer, his family stated.
Oprah audience's reaction to live O.J. Simpson verdict:
"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," they said.
Simpson's life took a dramatic turn on June 12, 1994, when the brutal murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, rocked the affluent Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The nation was gripped by the infamous white Ford Bronco chase on June 17, 1994, with an astounding 95 million viewers glued to their screens as Simpson, accompanied by his friend Al Cowlings, led police on a slow-speed pursuit through the streets of Los Angeles.
Subsequently, Simpson became the subject of a high-profile investigation by law enforcement.
The trial, which gained global attention, culminated in a dramatic verdict in 1995, watched by an estimated 150 million viewers, including Oprah Winfrey and her entire studio audience.
Recently, a video has been circulating on social media, capturing the intense moment when the jury's decision was announced.
The 32-second clip portrays Oprah's audience paying close attention, some with eyes shut and hands clasped, as the foreperson reads the not-guilty verdict.
The reaction is split, with some erupting in jubilation while others show disbelief or disapproval.
In the video, Oprah is seen standing with arms crossed amid the emotional turmoil of the moment.
Despite his acquittal in the criminal trial, Simpson faced civil consequences, being ordered to pay $33.5 million in a 1997 lawsuit for the wrongful deaths of Brown and Goldman.
Following the news of Simpson's death, Fred Goldman released a statement to the Independent about how his son's death is still impacting him 30 years later.
"Today is just a further reminder of how long my son has been gone," he said. "And how many years, and how much he's been missed. And the only thing that is important today are the victims. Nothing else is important today."
David Cook, attorney for the Goldman family, reflected on Simpson's passing, remarking that he had "died without penance." "When people die without penance, it means they are really stuck. If they die without penance they will still not see God," Cook stated.