O.J. To Return To TV In Fox Special

[Clint Eastwood Fan]

O.J. to tell how he'd murder on Fox spec
Net plans 2-night sweeps event
By JOSEF ADALIAN, JOSEF ADALIAN





Fox is planning a two-night sweeps event whose title says it all: "O.J. Simpson: If I Did It, Here's How It Happened."
No, really.

Publisher Judith Regan has taped a wide-ranging interview with Simpson that will serve as the basis for the broadcast, set to air in two hourlong segs Nov. 27 and 29, at 9 p.m. both nights. In the interview, Fox said Simpson "describes how he would have carried out the murders he has vehemently denied committing for over a decade."

Simpson was acquitted of killing Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, but found liable for both murders in a later civil suit.

Regan is publishing the Simpson-penned "If I Did It," which goes on sale Nov. 30 -- the day after the special's conclusion airs. ReganBooks is based at Harper Collins, which is owned by Fox parent News Corp.

Fox's O.J. special is being produced under the auspices of alternative topper Mike Darnell's department.

"This is an interview that no one thought would ever happen," Darnell said. "It's the definitive last chapter in the 'Trial of the Century.' "

This isn't Simpson's first foray into primetime. Katie Couric interviewed Simpson for NBC News in 2004, 10 years after the murders took place.

Fox declined to comment further on the special, and a Regan spokeswoman said the publisher was traveling and unavailable for an interview.

Insiders, however, indicate Fox isn't directly paying Simpson for his interview. However, it's safe to assume he's getting paid for his book.

If Simpson is making any money off the book, Ron Goldman's father, Fred, will likely try to get that coin in order to help pay off the debt Simpson owes him after losing the civil case.

Earlier this month, a Santa Monica court rejected Goldman's attempt to gain control of Simpson's publicity and identity rights.

A Fox rep also declined to name the production company behind the special.

Fox special marks the return of Darnell, Fox's own bad boy of entertainment. He has focused on more feel-good fare in recent years, from "Nanny 911" and "Celebrity Duets" to, of course, "American Idol."

The O.J. special comes as Fox is struggling through another tough fall quarter. It's also one of the few true sweeps "events" this November. Nets have largely abandoned movies and specials in favor of series programming this sweeps.

Immediate industry reaction to news of the O.J. special was disbelief, followed by debate over how well the event will do in the ratings.

"It'll be huge," one rival predicted. One producer said that while competitors might publicly dismiss Fox's decision to air the special, "They'd all love to have it."

Others, however, questioned whether Fox would be able to generate much interest from advertisers, since many might shy away from being associated with such a controversial broadcast.

[Brent88]

I just had to post this here, because it is quite possibly the most absurd thing I have ever read, and I've seen some absurd things. I think this takes the HOUSE!

Over 10 years after he was tried for two murders in the Trial of the Century that captured the attention of the world, O.J. Simpson, in his own words, tells for the first time how he would have committed the murders if he were the one responsible for the crimes. Noted publisher Judith Regan will talk with Simpson in a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred interview that will be the basis of a two-part special, O.J. SIMPSON: IF I DID IT, HERES HOW IT HAPPENED (working title), airing Monday, Nov. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Nov. 29 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20061114fox02

[Little Mel]

The only time I want to see O.J. Simpson on my tv, is when he's being publicly executed!!!

[dawsongirl]

omg...LAME! Fox sucks.

[Jrnygrl]

Is this for real???? I can't believe it. I know O.J. is dumb, but this is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. :eek: :eek: :confused: :confused:

[Lex Luthor]

Good Lord this guy needs to be strung up beside Saddam.

Another money grab for OJ

[Lex Luthor]

Like I sadi on the Politics board

This A$$#0!E needs to be strung up beside Saddam in the gallows, another case of the media paying a killer to get a good scoop.

[Janice]

Once again Simpson, how many people did you slaughter?

[Lamont]

i think this is a topic ALL of use can agree on

OJ is a disgusting human being and the people who put this special together are just as disgusting!

[ABlairican Pie]

OMG, if that doesn't ever sound like a confession....

[Penny Lane]

I just heard on the news this morning that he will receive 7 million for his book.

[Brian Damage]

I wish someone would mysteriously break in to his house, nearly sever his head off, leave a whole bunch of incriminating evidence and get off scott free.

[Lamont]

well jeesh i wouldnt go that far

i would just like to see him ACTUALLY HAVE TO use that $7 million and pay off the civil suits he lost!

[Zebra 3]

I'd rather watch FOX's Celebrity Boxing or a possible sequel to their hard hitting exposé Stars Without Makeup - When Animals Attack Stars Without Makeup Christmas Special.

[KissMyGrits]

I just heard on the news this morning that he will receive 7 million for his book.
Shouldn't that money be going to the Brown and Goldman families? I thought that they had a judgement against him. Hmmm... He will find some way of getting out of paying them.....

[Ireneparalegal]

The only time I want to see O.J. Simpson on my tv, is when he's being publicly executed!!!
I SO AGREE. When will people stop giving him attention???? Why does the media, who so believe he is guilty, still keep giving this f**cking murderer of two people air time?????????

[friendsfan77]

Publisher Judith Regan has taped a wide-ranging interview with Simpson that will serve as the basis for the broadcast, set to air in two hourlong segs Nov. 27 and 29, at 9 p.m. both nights.
I'd rather watch a test pattern.

[Brian Damage]

well jeesh i wouldnt go that far




I would

[Karen*]

Shouldn't that money be going to the Brown and Goldman families? I thought that they had a judgement against him. Hmmm... He will find some way of getting out of paying them.....

OT, but your avatar makes me happy, Michelle! :D

Anyway, what OJ Simpson is doing is disgusting. ohno: 'Nuff said.

[MsOrange]

i think less of FOX for airing it

[Squeegee Beckenheim*]

what the heck?

[felicitylen]

WTF is really going on? How can Fox be apart of something like this?

[Sharop]

I SO AGREE. When will people stop giving him attention???? Why does the media, who so believe he is guilty, still keep giving this f**cking murderer of two people air time?????????

Unfortunately, murders are so horrible and create so much controversy that many people end up paying attention to them. It's the same with murderers themselves.

One could use Mark Chapman as an example. Millions of people know who he is, and while a lot of people probably don't like him, they're aware of him.

I also heard that there is a movie coming out about Mark Chapman in the days after he shot John Lennon. There are mixed feelings about this film - some feel it would be interesting to understand his psyche, and others feel it's wrong to give him attention.

Regarding O.J., I feel this is in very poor taste. Well, actually it's worse than that.

[TJL]

Anybody have the e-mail address for FOX?

I think we have a group project to work on this weekend.

Please send an e-mail to FOX telling them this is a shameful waste of everyone's time.

[Sharop]

They could air some repeats of Arrested Development instead.

[Dr. John Becker]

i think this is a topic ALL of use can agree on

OJ is a disgusting human being and the people who put this special together are just as disgusting!

I agree with Lamont on this one.

[Dr. John Becker]

i think less of FOX for airing it


agreed

[Ireneparalegal]

Anybody have the e-mail address for FOX?

I think we have a group project to work on this weekend.

Please send an e-mail to FOX telling them this is a shameful waste of everyone's time.
I agree. I am for that. Seriously, what stupid a-hole with sh*t for brains thinks this was a "great idea"???? And seriously, OJ must really have sh*t for brains to agree to do such a thing. If he hates the fact that we know he is a murderer, why go on television to talk abt how you WOULD HAVE DONE IT? Forget it OJ, we know how you did it...it's all in BLOOD.

Stupid jury. Stupid race card.

[Lamont]

well i suppose some have a morbid curiousity to find out the details of how he killed them

but i wont buy it and i wont contribute to giving a dime to this piece of crap of a human being

[Brian Damage]

They could air some repeats of Arrested Development instead.

They could air test patterns. Anything is better than watching this **** on tv.

[Lamont]

its crazy

and disgusting!

[Ireneparalegal]

well i suppose some have a morbid curiousity to find out the details of how he killed them

but i wont buy it and i wont contribute to giving a dime to this piece of crap of a human being
We know how he did it...

I am sick of his smug face, smug attitude and the fact that a double murderer lives among the rest of us because of a stupid-ass jury who felt they owed one.

[dawsongirl]

Stars Without Makeup - When Animals Attack Stars Without Makeup Christmas Special.

:rotflmao:

[Lex Luthor]

The final chapter of his book reportedly decribes ... how OJ would have killed them if he was the "real killer".

This is just another slap in the face to the victims and thier families, I thought there was legislation prohibiting someone from profiteering from the benefits of their own crime. I guess because he only lost the civil case the Son of a B*** gets away with murder, AGAIN.

Fox disgusts me for doing their own profitterring from this but then again if they did not do it some other money grubbing network would.

[Clint Eastwood Fan]

http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah2639.shtml

Browns, Goldmans Speak Out Against Fox O.J. Simpson Special
(November 7, 2006) -- Fred Goldman, father of murder victim Ron Goldman is "shocked" by news that O.J. Simpson is to appear on a new Fox special concerning the killing of his son and Nicole Brown Simpson, Access Hollywood has learned.

Later this month Fox will air a new special "O.J. Simpson: If I Did It, Here's How It Happened." He will also release a book, If I Did It, in December.

Access Hollywood spoke with Indianapolis based attorney Jonathan Polak who represents Fred Goldman. In addition to telling Access the family is "shocked" by the announcement, he told Access that the family is "saddened that anyone would want to continue to exploit this tragic situation in order to put money into O.J. Simpson's pocket."

Acquitted in criminal court, the former football star was found responsible in civil court of the Goldman murder and that of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. He was ordered to pay the families $33.5 million.

To date Fred Goldman insists he has not received a dime from the football star.

Polak plans to meet with Mr. Goldman tomorrow, Wednesday November 15, to discuss if he will undertake legal action.

Denise Brown of the Nicole Brown Foundation released the following statement Wednesday morning: "It's unfortunate that ‘Simpson' has decided to ‘awaken a nightmare' that we have painfully endured and worked so hard to move beyond. We can only hope that through ‘Simpson's' interview with Ms. Regan, that it will propel greater awareness and a sense of urgency to accelerate domestic violence education & prevention. We hope Ms. Regan takes full accountability for promoting the wrong doing of criminals and leveraging this forum and the actions of ‘Simpson' to commercialize abuse. For the hundreds of thousands of domestic violence victims, we will continue to fight for your rights and will take these uncalled for actions by ‘Simpson' to further expand your voice until remedies are secured. Finally, we regret that Nicole's children, Sydney and Justin will be exposed to ‘Simpson's' inexplicable behavior and we will provide them with our love and support during this time."

[Ireneparalegal]

http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah2639.shtml

Browns, Goldmans Speak Out Against Fox O.J. Simpson Special
(November 7, 2006) -- Fred Goldman, father of murder victim Ron Goldman is "shocked" by news that O.J. Simpson is to appear on a new Fox special concerning the killing of his son and Nicole Brown Simpson, Access Hollywood has learned.

Later this month Fox will air a new special "O.J. Simpson: If I Did It, Here's How It Happened." He will also release a book, If I Did It, in December.

Access Hollywood spoke with Indianapolis based attorney Jonathan Polak who represents Fred Goldman. In addition to telling Access the family is "shocked" by the announcement, he told Access that the family is "saddened that anyone would want to continue to exploit this tragic situation in order to put money into O.J. Simpson's pocket."

Acquitted in criminal court, the former football star was found responsible in civil court of the Goldman murder and that of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. He was ordered to pay the families $33.5 million.

To date Fred Goldman insists he has not received a dime from the football star.

Polak plans to meet with Mr. Goldman tomorrow, Wednesday November 15, to discuss if he will undertake legal action.

Denise Brown of the Nicole Brown Foundation released the following statement Wednesday morning: "It's unfortunate that ‘Simpson' has decided to ‘awaken a nightmare' that we have painfully endured and worked so hard to move beyond. We can only hope that through ‘Simpson's' interview with Ms. Regan, that it will propel greater awareness and a sense of urgency to accelerate domestic violence education & prevention. We hope Ms. Regan takes full accountability for promoting the wrong doing of criminals and leveraging this forum and the actions of ‘Simpson' to commercialize abuse. For the hundreds of thousands of domestic violence victims, we will continue to fight for your rights and will take these uncalled for actions by ‘Simpson' to further expand your voice until remedies are secured. Finally, we regret that Nicole's children, Sydney and Justin will be exposed to ‘Simpson's' inexplicable behavior and we will provide them with our love and support during this time."
I seen the family on Larry King last night. The callers were outraged and they plan to boycott the channel.

Also, our FOX station (Los Angeles) has been inundated with so much email, it was the top news last night and this morning. They read several of those emails which stated people were not going to watch the special and they were no longer going to watch FOX. Some of the emails were from American Idol fans who stated they would rather NOT WATCH A.I. to prove their point that America doesn't want to watch OJ on t.v.

[Dr. Thong]

OMG, if that doesn't ever sound like a confession....

Yep. I mean, this has to be his coy, nudge-nudge/wink-wink way of saying "I did it."

And if he didn't, why on earth would you write something like this?? Doesn't he care about his kids??

If you want some relief from this, watch the first Naked Gun movie and enjoy the scene where O.J. gets shot repeatedly, steps in a bear trap, electrocutes himself, etc.:lol: :lol:

[Sharop]

They could air test patterns. Anything is better than watching this **** on tv.

That's true, but it would be nice for people to see re-runs of Arrested Development. Well, if they're fans, that is.

So FOX - repeat Arrested Development! Or Malcolm in the Middle. That was a good show. In fact, air repeats of both shows!

EDIT: Does anyone else feel sorry for O. J. Simpson's children? It must be tough for them, growing up firstly without a mother, and having pretty much everyone believing your father is a murderer. I feel sorry for them.

[Ireneparalegal]

Yep. I mean, this has to be his coy, nudge-nudge/wink-wink way of saying "I did it."

And if he didn't, why on earth would you write something like this?? Doesn't he care about his kids??

If you want some relief from this, watch the first Naked Gun movie and enjoy the scene where O.J. gets shot repeatedly, steps in a bear trap, electrocutes himself, etc.:lol: :lol:
I actually prefer O.J.'s performance in CAPRICORN ONE. He dies in that movie!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Little Mel]

http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah2639.shtml

Browns, Goldmans Speak Out Against Fox O.J. Simpson Special
(November 7, 2006) -- Fred Goldman, father of murder victim Ron Goldman is "shocked" by news that O.J. Simpson is to appear on a new Fox special concerning the killing of his son and Nicole Brown Simpson, Access Hollywood has learned.

Later this month Fox will air a new special "O.J. Simpson: If I Did It, Here's How It Happened." He will also release a book, If I Did It, in December.

Access Hollywood spoke with Indianapolis based attorney Jonathan Polak who represents Fred Goldman. In addition to telling Access the family is "shocked" by the announcement, he told Access that the family is "saddened that anyone would want to continue to exploit this tragic situation in order to put money into O.J. Simpson's pocket."

Acquitted in criminal court, the former football star was found responsible in civil court of the Goldman murder and that of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. He was ordered to pay the families $33.5 million.

To date Fred Goldman insists he has not received a dime from the football star.

Polak plans to meet with Mr. Goldman tomorrow, Wednesday November 15, to discuss if he will undertake legal action.

Denise Brown of the Nicole Brown Foundation released the following statement Wednesday morning: "It's unfortunate that ‘Simpson' has decided to ‘awaken a nightmare' that we have painfully endured and worked so hard to move beyond. We can only hope that through ‘Simpson's' interview with Ms. Regan, that it will propel greater awareness and a sense of urgency to accelerate domestic violence education & prevention. We hope Ms. Regan takes full accountability for promoting the wrong doing of criminals and leveraging this forum and the actions of ‘Simpson' to commercialize abuse. For the hundreds of thousands of domestic violence victims, we will continue to fight for your rights and will take these uncalled for actions by ‘Simpson' to further expand your voice until remedies are secured. Finally, we regret that Nicole's children, Sydney and Justin will be exposed to ‘Simpson's' inexplicable behavior and we will provide them with our love and support during this time."

I'm definitely not going to be watching this special, or reading his book. In the words of Kevin Mccallister from Home Alone 2, "I'd rather lick a toilet seat"!!

[Dr. Jazz]

From The Late Show with David Letterman, 11/16/06:


Top Ten Chapter Titles In O.J. Simpson's New Book


10. "People On My To-Kill List"

9. "Tuesdays With Robert Blake"

8. "The Murder Weapon: Is It Hidden In Your Town?"

7. "101 Alibis For All Occasions"

6. "Guitar Lessons, Ballroom Dancing And Other Things I've Taken A Stab At"

5. "How I Killed Pat Morita"

4. "My Confession: I Love Pop-Tarts"

3. "Things I Want To Do Before I Go To Hell"

2. "It's Not Like I'm Blaming It On The Jews"

1. "If Murdering Two People Is A Crime, Then Call Me Guilty!"

[Sharop]

In the words of Kevin Mccallister from Home Alone 2, "I'd rather lick a toilet seat"!!

Didn't he say, "I'd rather kiss a toilet seat?"

I'm sorry to nitpick. But I've seen the first two Home Alone movies so many times, and I'm almost certain that's what he said...

[Little Mel]

Didn't he say, "I'd rather kiss a toilet seat?"

I'm sorry to nitpick. But I've seen the first two Home Alone movies so many times, and I'm almost certain that's what he said...

Oh yeah, that is what he said. Thanks for the correction. LOL!!

[TJL]

http://www.jossip.com/gossip/ojbook.jpg

[80sTrivia]

I keep hoping that the outrage and revulsion of the American public really bites the Fox Network in the @$$ and they decide not to run this pathetic piece of misguided rubbish... :mad:

[Clint Eastwood Fan]

http://www.jossip.com/gossip/ojbook.jpg
:lol:

[AKA]

Mark Fuhrman (yes, that Mark Fuhrman) has a local radio talk show here in Spokane, and on it, he stated that KAYU (our Fox affiliate) will not be airing the special, but will opt instead to show the syndicated American Idol Rewind. If true, this is the first time KAYU has pre-empted Fox programming. I say good for them. :thumbsup:

[Little Mel]

Mark Fuhrman (yes, that Mark Fuhrman) has a local radio talk show here in Spokane, and on it, he stated that KAYU (our Fox affiliate) will not be airing the special, but will opt instead to show the syndicated American Idol Rewind. If true, this is the first time KAYU has pre-empted Fox programming. I say good for them. :thumbsup:

That's really good news!! Hopefully other affiliates across the Nation will follow suit. I personally think the thing is going to end up being cancelled altogether. With the outrage that this has already brought, and will likely continue to bring, it's hard for me to imagine Fox going through with it. Hopefully I'm right about that.

[Dr. Thong]

I keep hoping that the outrage and revulsion of the American public really bites the Fox Network in the @$$ and they decide not to run this pathetic piece of misguided rubbish... :mad:

You think a network like FOX is going to let things like good taste and a sense of moral ethics govern their programming?? Then again, the major networks aren't that much better, really.

[80sTrivia]

You think a network like FOX is going to let things like good taste and a sense of moral ethics govern their programming?? Then again, the major networks aren't that much better, really.

Unfortunately, I believe the answer to this question is no... A sad but unfortunate truth...

[Brent88]

According to Wikipedia:

As of November 19, twelve Fox affiliates have refused to carry the special. KSFX in Springfield, Missouri, [9] and WWCP, which serves the Johnstown-Altoona-State College, Pennsylvania area were the first to turn down the special on November 17[16].

The largest station group refusal to air the special so far has been LIN Television's six Fox affiliates, which include WALA in Mobile, Alabama, KASA in Albuquerque, Green Bay's WLUK, WUPW in Toledo, Ohio, WNAC in Providence, Rhode Island, and WVBT, the Fox affiliate in Virginia's Hampton Roads. In addition, Pappas Telecasting's four stations, which are KMPH of Fresno, Omaha's KPTM, KPTH in Sioux City, Iowa, and KTVG/KSNB in Lincoln and Grand Island, Nebraska are also pre-empting the program [17].

[Dr. Thong]

Uh guys, it was all over the news yesterday that Fox cancelled not only the special, but the book as well:

From msn.com:

O.J. Simpson book, TV special canceled
Chairman Rupert Murdoch says project was ‘ill-considered’

Updated: 11:07 p.m. ET Nov 20, 2006
NEW YORK - O.J. Simpson’s book and TV special were canceled Monday, an astonishing end to an imaginary confession that had sickened the public as the very worst kind of tabloid sensation.

“I and senior management agree with the American public that this was an ill-considered project,” said Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp. owns both Fox Broadcasting and publisher HarperCollins. “We are sorry for any pain that this has caused the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.”

“If I Did It,” in which Simpson was to have described how he would have killed his ex-wife, had been scheduled to air as a two-part interview Nov. 27 and Nov. 29 on Fox. The book was to have followed on Nov. 30.

HarperCollins spokeswoman Erin Crum said some copies had already been shipped to stores but would be recalled, and all copies would be destroyed.

“I think News Corp. finally stepped up, admitted they made a mistake and did the right thing,” said Jonathan Polak, the lawyer for Fred Goldman, Ron’s father. “This is everything we have been asking News Corp. to do for the past two weeks. We want to thank the American people for helping make this happen.”

Simpson’s attorney, Yale Galanter, told The Associated Press: “We had known for three or four days that this was a possibility.”

Galanter said he did not know whether the deal between Simpson and News Corp. was contingent on a TV interview being shown or a book arriving in stores.

“There are only three possible reactions: anger, happiness or indifference. He’s totally indifferent about the fact that it’s been canceled,” said Galanter, who added that he didn’t know if Simpson was paid upfront.

Simpson told The Associated Press in a phone interview late Monday he could not comment on the situation “until I know legally where I stand.”

He added, “I would like nothing better than to straighten out some things that have been mischaracterized. But I think I’m legally muzzled at this point.”

Near universal revulsion
Any hopes of commercial reward were quickly overwhelmed by near universal revulsion to last week’s announcement — from those who knew Goldman and Brown, from booksellers and advertisers, even from Fox News Channel personality Bill O’Reilly.

A dozen Fox network affiliates had already said they would not air the two-part sweeps month special, and numerous stores had either declined to sell the book or had promised to donate any profits to charity.

“I really don’t think there would have been very many advertisers who would have been willing to participate in this show,” said Brad Adgate of the ad buying firm Horizon Media.

With little advertising, Fox would miss the chance to profit from the show. If there were no advertisers, the show wouldn’t even be rated by Nielsen Media Research — so the number of people watching would have done nothing to help Fox’s season average, he said.

[Ohio8]

Here's something from today's comics...

[catlover79]

Yep. I mean, this has to be his coy, nudge-nudge/wink-wink way of saying "I did it."

And if he didn't, why on earth would you write something like this?? Doesn't he care about his kids??

If you want some relief from this, watch the first Naked Gun movie and enjoy the scene where O.J. gets shot repeatedly, steps in a bear trap, electrocutes himself, etc.:lol: :lol:
Didn't he also smash his face into a cake, burn his hand on a hot stove, and fall off the boat in that same scene? :rofl:

[Dr. Thong]

Didn't he also smash his face into a cake, burn his hand on a hot stove, and fall off the boat in that same scene? :rofl:

Yes, he did -- musta forgot. Gives me an excuse to pop that movie in!

At the time it first came out - 1988, I believe - I knew nothing of O.J.'s private life or his dark side and I just laughed because it was funny.

Now...it's even funnier.:D

Too bad none of that happened in real life.

Yes, I'm aware he got indicted for the theft/violence in Vegas, but he'll be out within ten years. Should have gotten executed for what he did back in 1994.

[catlover79]

^ I thought so. That scene makes me :rofl: every time I see or even think about it. Jay Leno used it last year on his show when that whole Vegas thing came out - hilarious!! :brent Thanks!!

[nmnf920]

why does anyone even care about this guy? i've been sick of hearing his name since i was four years old, even when i had no idea who he was or what he did and assumed he had something to do with the simpsons.

[Chocoholic]

The only Simpsons I want to hear about are the yellow-skinned ones from Springfield.

[catlover79]

The only Simpsons I want to hear about are the yellow-skinned ones from Springfield.
Especially Homer, right? ;)

[Chocoholic]

Yup :D

[catlover79]

Who wouldn't love this? :lol: