Thirty years following what has often been dubbed the "trial of the century," Netflix has unveiled its latest exploration of the infamous O.J. Simpson case through the docuseries American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson. This four-part series aims to unravel some of the lesser-known aspects surrounding the double homicide of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, both of whom were tragically murdered on June 12, 1994.
Despite the multitude of content created about Simpson and his life, this docuseries attempts to fill significant gaps by offering fresh perspectives through interviews with individuals closely associated with the case and showcasing footage from the original trial. While the series is informative, it’s challenging to digest the revelations about disturbing behaviors exhibited by Simpson, as recounted by those who interacted with him before and after the trial.
The night of the murders remains etched in memory, with Simpson initially appearing only somewhat implicated. While he was seen leaving for the airport with a duffel bag, it was not until his ex-wife and her friend were found dead at his home, did authorities began to focus their investigation on him. Eyewitness testimonies, such as those from Jill Shively and Skip Junis, played pivotal roles but were never utilized during the trial. Shively claimed she saw Simpson run a red light and noted his demeanor, describing it as giving her "a mean look". Junis recounted witnessing Simpson dispose of something from his duffel bag at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on the same night. Unfortunately, both were omitted as witnesses, undermining the prosecution's case.
The docuseries touches upon the heavy undercurrent of racial issues during the trial. Many interviewees expressed reservations about the race being invoked as part of the trial narrative. Johnnie Cochran, one of Simpson’s defense attorneys, recognized earlier incidents of racial injustice, binding the O.J. Simpson case to the broader issues afflicting the Black community, particularly highlighting the Rodney King incident just four years before the trial, which had ignited nationwide protests.
While some viewed Simpson's trial as symbolic justice against systemic racism, the docuseries reveals opinions within the Black community were fragmented. After the not guilty verdict, there were both celebrations and resentment, showcasing deep societal divides. Observations surrounding the predominantly Black jury were also noted, with defense lawyer Carl E. Douglas recalling Simpson himself acknowledging the implication, saying, “Jeesh, if this jury convicts me maybe I did do it.” Juror Yolanda Crawford dismissed these notions, insisting the decision was purely based on reasonable doubt stemming from contaminated evidence.
One of the prosecution's attempts at establishing motive relied heavily on accusations of domestic abuse, yet this focus faltered when the defense shifted attention away, arguing the trial was solely about the murders and not past behavior. Revelatory personal accounts came from figures like Ron Shipp, who testified against Simpson, recalling, "I’ve had dreams of killing her," urging audiences to question not just Simpson’s actions but the morality of those who stood by.
Another pivotal moment discussed was the infamous scene where Simpson tried on the gloves found at the crime scene—gloves the prosecution claimed fit him perfectly. Under the attention of cameras, the gloves were embarrassingly loose, contributing to the jury’s skepticism. Years later, Mike Gilbert, Simpson’s agent, disclosed he strategically advised Simpson against taking medication for arthritis, leading to swollen knuckles, which assured the gloves wouldn’t fit properly as intended during the demonstration. Gilbert also revealed troubling beliefs about Simpson’s guilt post-trial, admitting to the ethical failings involved and the consequences of prioritizing his career over justice.
Diving deep, the docuseries connect the dots leading to the trial’s outcome—culminated by detangling the credibility issues of key detectives like Mark Fuhrman, who gathered accused evidence. Infamous for his racially charged comments, Fuhrman’s demeanor tarnished the prosecution's case. His refusal to fully take accountability throughout the series was indicative of wider issues within the LAPD and justice system.
Following the not guilty verdict, the Goldman family pursued civil litigation against Simpson, which resulted, years later, with him being deemed liable for wrongful death and ordered to pay substantial damages. The astonishing statistic came to light when Simpson was ordered to pay over $30 million as damages, illustrating the conflicting narratives coupled with Simpson’s contradictory legacy.
While the docuseries allows viewers to reflect on the trial's pivotal moments, it sparks discourse on the serious ethical responsibilities of individuals within the community who remained silent about Simpson's abusive conduct. This ethereal line of questioning permeated throughout the episodes—was O.J. Simpson morally questionable all along, or do his bystanders share equal blame? Evidence suggests the latter, asserting the need for broader accountability.
Through its probing discussions and compelling narratives, American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson successfully brings forth not only the trial’s historical significance but also the harsh reality of its aftermath—one marked by moral ambiguity and societal splits, questions still resonate, advocating for answers beyond what the trial displayed.