When O.J. Simpson proved too incendiary for Rupert Murdoch

O.J. Simpson, the former National Football League (NFL) star and actor, was acquitted of criminal charges in the infamous 1995 trial for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman, but the aftermath of this high-profile case left a lasting impact on media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his media empire, News Corporation.

In the years leading up to the trial, O.J. Simpson was a beloved and prominent figure in American culture. He had a successful football career, starred in advertisements, and even appeared in a popular Hertz rental car commercial where he famously quipped, "I'm O.J." However, his personal life began to unravel in the late 1980s, and he was involved in several domestic disputes with Nicole Brown Simpson, which were widely reported in the media.

Rupert Murdoch, the founder and chairman of News Corporation, was no stranger to sensational stories and tabloid journalism. His media outlets, such as the New York Post and the British tabloid The Sun, were known for their provocative headlines and scandalous stories. However, when it came to O.J. Simpson, Murdoch drew a line.

In 1993, after the infamous "Bronco chase," where O.J. Simpson led the police on a low-speed chase in his white Ford Bronco, Murdoch issued a directive to his editors at the New York Post to avoid publishing any stories about O.J. that were not factually verified. This was a significant departure from the Post's usual tabloid tactics and reflected Murdoch's concern about the potential legal and ethical implications of reporting on the case.

Despite Murdoch's instructions, some of his journalists continued to pursue stories about O.J. Simpson, leading to several controversial headlines and articles. One such article, published in the New York Post in 1994, featured a front-page headline that read, "If I Were Black, I'd Vote to Acquit Him," which was widely criticized for its racially insensitive tone.

In 1995, after the acquittal of O.J. Simpson, Murdoch faced intense criticism from various quarters for his handling of the case. Some accused him of being insensitive to the victims and their families, while others argued that his media outlets had contributed to the sensationalism and hysteria surrounding the trial.

In response to the criticism, Murdoch issued a statement expressing his regret over some of the coverage and pledged to improve editorial standards at his newspapers. He also announced that he would be stepping down as editor-in-chief of the New York Post to focus on his role as CEO of News Corporation.

The fallout from the O.J. Simpson trial marked a turning point in Rupert Murdoch's media career and highlighted the complex relationship between the media, celebrity, and justice in America. While some argue that the media played a role in fueling public interest in the case, others believe that the sensational coverage contributed to a miscarriage of justice and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Regardless of one's perspective, it is clear that the O.J. Simpson trial left a lasting impact on Rupert Murdoch and his media empire.