During a highly anticipated hearing, where former NFL player and actor O.J Simpson appeared to atone for a Las Vegas robbery in 2007, a board of four granted parole to the man who polarized America in one of the most infamous trials in history.
Simpson, who has been imprisoned for nine years, could be released as early as Oct. 1. Because Simpson has no prior conviction history — he was acquitted in 1995 after being accused of murdering his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman — and has stable release plans, the board brought down the decision, which prompted a “thank you, thank you” from the 70 year old.
While his family and those who testified in his support appeared to be pleased with the decision, it was clear that Simpson’s impending release elicited some very strong feelings that are reminiscent of his acquittal in 1995 — while many viewed it as a win for Black America during some of the most unjust years in the ’90s, others believed a murderer had been set free.
But in 1995, there was no Twitter. And today, we got to see those reactions in real time. Ranging from apathy to disgust and celebration, here’s a snapshot of how the world feels today in the wake of Simpson’s parole hearing.
