OJ Simpson's private 'confession' to friend over murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman

OJ Simpson's former friend, Mike Gilbert, alleged in a tell-all book published in 2008 that the ex-NFL star confessed to murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman

OJ Simpson, who died on Thursday following a battle with prostate cancer at 76 years old, was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in a televised trial that captivated the world. But over a decade later, one of the former NFL star’s friends alleged he confessed to the killings during a private conversation.

Taking to social media on Thursday, Simpson’s family posted a statement to his profile announcing his death, writing: "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. 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."

On the heels of his storied NFL career, Simpson became embroiled in heavy controversy as the prime suspect in the 1994 murder case involving Brown-Simpson and Goldman, who were both found stabbed to death outside the former’s condominium. Though the court eventually found him to be innocent, his former friend Mike Gilbert claimed the running back admitted to committing the crime while high on drugs.

In Gilbert’s tell-all book, How I helped O.J. Get Away With Murder: The Shocking Inside Story of Violence, Loyalty, Regret and Remorse, published in 2008, the longtime sports agent divulged a private meeting he had with Simpson several weeks after his trial concluded.

READ MORE:Kim Kardashian says OJ Simpson 'tore my family apart' in clip before his death

Gilbert claimed that Simpson had taken a sleeping pill prior to smoking marijuana and drinking beer in his Brentwood home when he revealed what occurred on the night of June 12, 1994.

Simpson said he visited Brown-Simpson’s home, where he was greeted by his ex-wife wielding a knife. He allegedly mumbled to Gilbert: “If she hadn't opened that door with a knife in her hand... she'd still be alive.” Gilbert then wrote: “Nothing more needed to be said. O.J. had confessed to me. There's no doubt in my mind."

Later on in his book, Gilbert alleged he gave Simpson tips on how to swell his hands so they wouldn't fit into the infamous bloody gloves that became an integral piece of evidence. Lawyer Yale Galanter — who was representing Simpson in a separate case at the time — swiftly refuted the claims, saying Gilbert is "a delusional drug addict who needs money. He's fallen on very hard times. He is in trouble with the IRS," per ESPN.

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"I've talked to O.J. about it," he continued. "This stuff not only didn't occur but it's not factually supported by the evidence."

Fred Goldman, Ron’s father, reacted to the news of Simpson’s death on Thursday, telling the Mirror : "It is a reminder of how long Ron has been gone and how much we miss him. The only thing that is truly important are the victims. There is nothing that is more important than the loss of my son and the loss of Nicole.”

Back in 2008, Simpson was additionally arrested on charges of robbery and kidnapping. He was convicted and imprisoned for 33 years, but was subsequently released by the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation in 2017.

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