Malcolm LaVergne, the longtime attorney of O.J. Simpson who is now serving as the executor of his estate, has caused controversy with his initial comments suggesting he would block any claims for settlement money from Ron Goldman's family. LaVergne had represented Simpson until his death last week and was named the executor of his estate. He initially stated that he hoped the Goldmans would receive "zero, nothing" from the unpaid settlement, but has since backtracked on those remarks, citing the need to tone down the rhetoric and fulfill his role as the executor.
The civil judgment against Simpson, stemming from the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, has never been paid in full. Fred Goldman, the father of Ron Goldman, has been relentless in seeking justice for his son's murder for the last 30 years. David J. Cook, an attorney for the Goldmans, has also been working to collect the judgment, which has now risen to $114 million with interest. Despite efforts to access Simpson's assets, including his NFL pension and trust, the Goldmans have been unable to collect the full amount owed.
Simpson's estate is set to go through the court probate process, and the Goldmans, along with other creditors, could potentially receive a portion of whatever assets Simpson left behind. LaVergne has stated that he will work with the Goldmans in a transparent manner to review the estate and their claims. The attorney has also clarified that Simpson's body will be cremated, with no plans to donate his brain for study.
Fred Goldman, in response to Simpson's death, expressed no sympathy for the former football star, stating that it was "no great loss to the world." He emphasized that the issue was always about holding Simpson accountable for the murders of his son and Nicole Brown Simpson. LaVergne has acknowledged the change in his role from representing Simpson to managing his estate, and has pledged to handle the process calmly and dispassionately. As the estate is settled, the Goldmans and other creditors will have their claims addressed according to priority.
