O.J. Simpson’s estate is strapped for cash – and executor Malcom LaVerge is desperately exploring ways to pay off nearly $300,000 in debt.
The late athlete, born Orenthal James Simpson, has multiple creditors to repay, and LaVerge is trying to forage for funds. However, he claims there is “strong resistance” to his efforts.
One possibility includes going through Nicole Brown Simpson and O.J.’s son Justin. LaVergne explained he was trying to bring in over $269,000 from the deceased’s home in Las Vegas and might have to butt heads with Justin, to get it. The 76-year-old’s son reportedly helped him purchase the property in 2022.
O.J.’s “forever” home is worth around $100,000 more than its purchase value. LaVergne argues the equity as well as the original chunk of change – about $159,000 – O.J. forked over to buy the property belong to his estate, but will have to sidestep Justin to recoup the much-needed funds.
Though LaVergne is attempting to claw back $269,000, it’s a minuscule amount in comparison to the multi-million debt O.J. left behind for his family.
Murder Case
LaVergne told TMZ that getting the Las Vegas property was a small step in resolving Simpson’s debts. There was still the over $30 million judgment for his murder case and massive tax lien.
Simpson was one of the most celebrated running backs in the NFL, but his criminal case overshadowed his achievements. He was acquitted of the murders of his former wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994.
The then-NFL star was found liable for Nicole and Goldman’s deaths in a Santa Monica civil court. As a result, he was hit with a $33.5 million judgment, which he still owed to the victims’ families at the time of his death.
Worse for O.J.’s estate was the unpaid debt’s interest was said to be around $100 million.
LaVergne is currently seeking permission to sell many of O.J.’s belongings at an auction to raise money for the estate.