The recent passing of O.J. Simpson on Wednesday night has reignited interest in the long-standing rumors of an alleged affair between Simpson and Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian family. Kris Jenner, now 68, has been at the center of speculation regarding her past relationship with Simpson for many years, leading to considerable public and media scrutiny.
These rumors gained significant attention during a 2019 episode of the Kardashian family’s reality TV series, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.” In the episode, Kris Jenner is seen addressing these allegations in a conversation with her daughter, Khloé Kardashian, where she categorically denied any romantic involvement with Simpson.
The discussion revealed the emotional strain the rumors have placed on Jenner, showcasing a rare moment of vulnerability from the usually composed matriarch. The origins of these rumors are deeply intertwined with Simpson’s controversial past, including his marriage to Nicole Brown Simpson, who was Kris Jenner’s close friend. The marriage between Simpson and Nicole was troubled, marred by Simpson’s documented history of domestic abuse, told People.
This abuse led Nicole to file for divorce in 1992, a split that was highly publicized at the time due to Simpson’s celebrity status. The situation took a darker turn on June 12, 1994, when Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were found murdered. O.J. Simpson was subsequently charged with the double homicide. “It’s really kind of pathetic that when rumors get started, the media gives it life and breath and on the anniversary of Nicole’s death. It’s so tasteless and disgusting,” Jenner lamented.Â
The following criminal trial, which was televised and closely followed worldwide, ended in Simpson’s acquittal but left a permanent mark on public consciousness. However, the legal battles didn’t end with the criminal trial; Simpson was later found liable for the deaths of Nicole and Goldman in a 1997 civil trial and was ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to the Goldman family.
In light of these events, Kris Jenner has publicly condemned Simpson, especially as the rumors coincided with significant anniversaries of Nicole Brown Simpson’s death. Jenner’s frustration with the timing and nature of these rumors was palpable, as she vehemently denied any inappropriate relationship with Simpson, referring to him disparagingly in stark terms.
Jenner’s denouncement of Simpson and her denial of the affair underscores the complex nature of their acquaintance, one that spans several decades of friendship, tragedy, and public speculation. The re-emergence of these rumors following Simpson’s death serves as a reminder of the unresolved tensions and unanswered questions that continue to linger around the figures involved.
This ongoing public fascination with the dynamics between Simpson and the Kardashian family highlights the enduring intersection of celebrity, tragedy, and media that defines much of modern pop culture. As the family continues to live in the spotlight, the legacy of their connections to Simpson remains a topic of intrigue and speculation.
