The 2 1/2-hour video, including a 90-minute “unrehearsed, uncut, uncensored” inter-view–available beginning Jan. 31- went on sale last Friday via an 800 number. It was met with outrage. Radio talk shows and victim-abuse groups suggested jamming the lines to slow sales. The following day, the video’s producer switched the 800 number to a toll listing. Members of Ron Goldman’s and Nicole Brown’s families urged a boycott of the $29.95 tape, and wondered why Simpson didn’t take the stand during his trial if he wanted his story out.
“It is simply a form of theater done for the purposes of making money off the murders of two people,” says Dan Petrocelli, the lawyer representing the Goldman family in its civil suit against Simpson. “The fact he would do so, particularly when one of the victims was his ex-wife and mother of his children, speaks volumes about the man.” Depending on what’s on the videotape, Simpson could be hurt by his comments; it likely will be admissible at the civil trial. Though there were lawyers advising him during the taping, none were present for his “uncensored” interview.
Reaction to the videotape wasn’t unexpected, but Simpson didn’t exactly have many choices ff he wanted to cash in. Scorned by book publishers-and refusing to sit down with affiliated journalists-he admitted to his interviewer he did it for money (possibly in the millions). That may be the only undisputed remark. The interviewer, Ross Becker, a former L.A. anchor-man, told NEWSWEEK that Simpson “probably did stretch the truth in certain areas.” Which areas will have to await the sequel. Where is William Satire when we need him?
