OJ Simpson, the former NFL and Hollywood star who was controversially cleared of double-murder three decades ago, has died aged 76.
Simpson’s family confirmed the news in a statement on social media, revealing he passed away on Wednesday local time following a battle with prostate cancer.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the statement said.
“He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
“During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
The American football star became a household name in the 90s after he was sensationally acquitted of the stabbing murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in Los Angeles.
The US media dubbed it the “trial of the century” with the actor later found responsible for their deaths in a separate civil lawsuit.
In 2008, he was also sentenced to 33 years in prison after being convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in Las Vegas.
He was released in 2017.
