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Goldman Family Seeks to Rename Canceled Simpson Book, Sell it

Associated Press
Published | Updated

MIAMI – A federal bankruptcy judge Tuesday ordered O.J. Simpson's daughter to give a deposition by week's end in a lawsuit over the former football star and murder suspect's canceled book, "If I Did It."

The family of Ron Goldman, who was slain along with Simpson's ex-wife, Nicole Brown, wants to rename the book "Confessions of a Double Murderer" and sell it.

They would keep the proceeds as part of the $33.5 million (euro25.1 million) they have tried to collect for nearly a decade after a civil jury found Simpson liable for Goldman's death. Simpson was acquitted in a highly publicized 1995 murder trial of criminal charges in the deaths.

But the Goldman's case has been snarled with canceled depositions and other hurdles.

Goldman attorneys have given up trying to depose O.J. Simpson after he canceled at the last minute two weeks ago. Goldman attorney Paul Battista said the Simpsons have failed to comply with court orders, including turning over copies of the book.

"They simply don't want to play by the rules," Battista said. "I've never seen as much contempt of court as I've seen in this case with the debtor."

Simpson's oldest daughter, Arnelle, is named as the head of Lorraine Brooke Associates, which owns the book's rights.

Arnelle Simpson's attorney, Kendrick Whittle, said his client does not have copies of the book. He said Goldman family attorneys were present when a trustee took her deposition and she should not be forced to "sit there and explain her life story in front of a camera," again.

But U.S. Bankruptcy Judge A. Jay Cristol ordered Arnelle Simpson and an attorney for her father to give depositions by Friday, when a hearing is supposed to start.

HarperCollins planned to publish the book but canceled the deal following a public outcry.

Lorraine Brooke, which struck a deal with HarperCollins to be included in an auction for the book's rights, then filed for bankruptcy, putting the sale on hold. Arnelle Simpson sought to reorganize Lorraine Brook, which would have allowed her to maintain temporary control over it, but Cristol ruled the company should be liquidated. He decided an independent trustee would control it.