Controversy Surrounds OJ Simpson’s Inclusion in BET Awards’ “In Memoriam” Segment

The BET Awards’ “In Memoriam” segment took a shocking turn during Sunday’s ceremony, leaving viewers in disbelief as OJ Simpson’s image appeared alongside other late stars. The inclusion of the infamous celebrity, known for his controversial past involving the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, sparked a wave of reactions on social media.

Simpson, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 76 after battling cancer, was featured in the emotional segment with a “Former NFL Player” description underneath his photo. The unexpected appearance of Simpson in the tribute left the audience at the ceremony in a “noticeable silence,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

While some in attendance offered a smattering of applause, many were taken aback by the decision to include Simpson in the memorial alongside respected figures in the entertainment industry. Viewers at home also expressed their shock and disbelief on social media, with one user on X (formerly known as Twitter) calling the moment “WILD.”

Critics of the BET Awards’ decision to include Simpson in the segment accused the ceremony of being “deeply unserious” and claimed that the inclusion of the controversial figure was a misstep. Despite the mixed reactions, the unexpected appearance of OJ Simpson in the “In Memoriam” segment at the BET Awards has certainly sparked a conversation about the boundaries of honoring individuals with complicated legacies.