Kris Jenner Says “OJ Simpson Was Family”

Kris Jenner says O.J. Simpson was “family” reflecting on the new FX series American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. 

“I went to bed one night and I woke up the next morning and my entire universe had changed,” Jenner describes learning about the death of her friend Nicole. “They were two of the best friends I ever had in my entire life. They were my family. O.J. was like my big brother. So I not only mourned the loss of Nicole, but I mourned the loss of O.J. and that relationship.”

Long before the Kardashian/Jenner clan took over the world, the most famous Kardashian was Jenner’s husband, Robert Kardashian. Kardashian gained fame as OJ’s friend and defense attorney during Simpson’s 1995 murder trial.

Jenner’s role is being filled by Selma Blair and the character doesn’t hold back her thoughts on both the trial and Simpson’s guilt. Jenner didn’t go into details about Blair’s portrayal but she did hope women would gain a sense of awareness.

“Domestic violence is a real tragedy in our lives,” says Jenner referring to the fact that Nicole Simpson reported O.J. to the police at least nine times before her murder. “[Nicole’s death] could have been prevented. I have five daughters so of course I want women everywhere, especially women of this new generation, to know the story. They need to realize that they have a voice and they need to tell somebody if someone has hurt them.”

Jenner says she still carries guilt over Nicole’s abuse. “My heart breaks because of all the pain and suffering she went through. I wish I had noticed the signs. She was fighting for her life many days I’m sure. I try to pay attention to things more now. I follow my intuition.”

It’s interesting to consider how the trial would have played out in 2016 when our attitudes towards domestic violence—particularly as they pertain to high-profile athletes—are a very different. Jenner explains, “If Nicole’s legacy can be protecting other women, then that would be a really positive thing.”