BET Awards Spark Backlash After 'In Memoriam' Segment Pays Tribute To OJ Simpson

Viewers of the 2024 BET Awards were both perplexed and outraged after O.J. Simpson was included in the "In Memoriam" segment of the show, especially since Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Andre Braugher was not.

The event, which took place Sunday evening, had viewers in attendance and those at home scratching their heads after Simpson, who was accused of the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994, was honored.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, when Simpson appeared in the tribute, the audience's applause reportedly ceased.

Most people on social media expressed their disappoint over BET's decision to include him in the segment.

A few halfheartedly defended BET, noting that Simpson was acquitted.

But everyone could agree that Braugher, whose impressive career spanned decades, should have been honored.

People on social media weren't the only ones outraged. Both Brown Simpon's and Goldman's families slammed BET for paying tribute to Simpson.

Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, told TMZ that the network should issue an apology.

"I think they shouldn't include anyone of that caliber -- a wife beater, murderer … can't imagine why they would include someone like that."

And Nicole's sister Tanya feels the same.

"It's inappropriate to give an abuser and murderer recognition."

"Whoever thought of doing that owes every domestic violence victim an apology…and that’s including our family. And, they should be fired."