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O.J. Simpson is a trending topic right now as folks discuss the news of his death across social media. Reactions to Simpson are all over the board and pouring in from fans, critics and celebrities, including Magic Johnson, Jemele Hill, Marc Lamont Hill, and Caitlyn Jenner.
As previously reported, the former Buffalo Bills’ player passed away at age 76 on April 10. His family confirmed the news in an X (formerly Twitter) statement early Thursday. O.J., they said, died from cancer while surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
O.J.’s death comes with a reminder of his controversial public image, which stems from his acquittal in the double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.
As previously reported, a jury found him not guilty in 1995 of the killings, but in 1997 another jury found him liable for the deaths. The court eventually ordered him to pay $33.5 to the victims’ families, per AP.
Magic Johnson is one of the latest celebrities to weigh in on the former NFL player’s passing. The NBA champ shared thoughts via X on Thursday (April 11) on behalf of him and his wife, Cookie Johnson.
“Cookie and I are praying for O.J. Simpson’s children Arnelle, Aaren, Justin, Jason, and Sydney and his grandchildren following his passing. I know this is a difficult time 🙏🏾,” he wrote.
O.J. and his first wife, Marguerite Whitley, welcomed three children during their time together named Arnelle, Jason, and Aaren. According to AP, Aaren passed away as a toddler during a pool drowning accident in 1979.
He and Marguerite divorced that year and he married Nicole Brown in 1985. Prior to their divorce in 1992, O.J. and Nicole welcomed two kids, Justin and Sydney.
Within two hours of being live, Magic’s post has garnered nearly 260,000 views and a comment section full of mixed sentiments.
