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Home • News

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?

Last night's premiere of the FX mini-series "The People vs. O.J Simpson" has us remembering a divisive moment in race relations, and pop culture. On October 3, 1995, an estimated 100 million viewers were glued to their TV sets waiting for the verdict to end the trial of the century. While Simpson's fate hung in the balance during the eight-month trial, the world kept turning. Here's what else was happening when the fallen football star was found not guilty.
By Lauren Porter · Updated October 27, 2020
01
THE VERDICT

The famed football player, nicknamed “The Juice,” was arrested and charged with killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. From the Bronco car chase to Johnnie Cochran’s famed one-liner, “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” the trial of the century came to an end with a “not guilty” verdict.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
Agence France Presse/Getty Images
02
TV SHOWS

The L.L. Cool J and Debbie Allen-led sitcom In the House premiered in the spring of 1995 during the trial. Other shows to make their debut while Simpson sat in the courtroom were On Our Own and Robert Townsend’s The Parent ‘Hood.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
03
CELEBS

In 1995, at the age of 23, one of our favorite stars, Tracee Ellis Ross, attended the Soul Train Music Awards with her mother, Diana Ross, who was awarded with the Heritage Award for Career Achievement.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
Jim Smeal/WireImage
04
MOVIES

One day after the verdict, the Larenz Tate, Keith David, Chris Tucker, N’Bushe Wright and Bokeem Woodbine crime drama, Dead Presidents hit theaters.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
John D. Kisch/Separate Cinema Archive/Getty Images
05
MUSIC

Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” topped the R&B/Hip-hop Billboard charts that year. Other songs on the radio that week? “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson, “I Hate You” by Prince, “Brown Sugar” by D’Angelo, and “Brokenhearted” by Brandy.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
06
MAKEUP

In 1995, lip liner was all the rage. Naomi Campbell was a prime example of a star who flawlessly rocked a boldly linned lip.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
Ron Galella/WireImage
07
SPORTS

For the second year in a row, Tiger Woods took home the grand prize at the U.S. Men’s Golf amateur. At just 18, Woods made history in 1994 by becoming the youngest man to win at this event.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
J.D. Cuban / Staff
08
FASHION

Baby doll dresses were the only thing you needed to make a fashion statement in 1995. Halle Berry reigned supreme in a simple and sexy look while at the Soul Train Music Awards.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
09
HAIR

Finger waves were a major hair look in the 90s.

What Else Was Happening in the World When O.J. Simpson Was Found Not Guilty?
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage