Malcolm LaVergne, O.J. Simpson’s longtime attorney and executor of his will, has made headlines with his recent reversal regarding payments to the Goldman family, expressing a commitment to honoring their claim to the millions awarded in a 1998 civil judgment against Simpson.
A Change of Heart
LaVergne, who initially stated his intention to fight against any payout to the Goldman family, has now shifted his stance. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he acknowledged his earlier remarks and affirmed his willingness to accept Fred Goldman’s claim and handle it by Nevada law.
Addressing Past Remarks
LaVergne attributed his previous statements to his frustration with Fred Goldman’s attorneys, whom he accused of continuing to disparage Simpson even after his death. He admitted that his remarks were harsh and not reflective of his intentions to be transparent and fair in handling the estate.
Commitment to Transparency
To maintain transparency, LaVergne plans to involve the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in the estate proceedings. He intends to invite Goldman’s mother and the individual managing Brown’s estate to a meeting at his office, where he will present his plan for addressing their claims.
Unresolved Debts
Despite the substantial judgment awarded to the Goldman family in 1998, Fred Goldman has stated that he has yet to receive any payment from Simpson. The tens of millions owed to both the Goldmans and the Browns remain unresolved debts, which will take precedence over unsecured creditors in the probate process.
Probate Process and Estate Management
Simpson’s assets, including real estate holdings in Florida, have been placed into a trust and will undergo a probate process in court. LaVergne, acting by the wishes of Simpson’s four adult children, is overseeing decisions related to the estate based on their consensus.
Funeral Arrangements
Regarding Simpson’s remains, LaVergne confirmed that they will be cremated, with the decision made by Simpson’s children through consensus. While there are no immediate plans for a funeral ceremony, a memorial celebration of Simpson’s life is anticipated shortly, intended to be limited to family and friends.
