Celebrity Death

It's almost the weekend, but another busy day of big news hit Thursday ... and, TMZ was there to cover it all.

On "TMZ Live," Charles and Jason break down O.J. Simpson's death ... discussing the life of an incredibly polarizing public figure.

The news of O.J. Simpson's death is sparking a wave of commentary -- much of it coming in the form of humorous memes based on the most controversial aspects of his life ... because the Internet is gonna Internet.

Almost immediately social media users rushed to upload their hot takes/jokes, going in hard on Simpson ... with several focused on the infamous low-speed Bronco chase from 1994.

Several people photoshopped the Bronco into a hearse ... while others used footage of the chase to create imagery of the cops following a hearse down L.A.'s 405 freeway, and joking that Simpson's funeral procession should look just like that.

Ron Goldman's family describes O.J. Simpson's death as a "mixed bag of complicated emotions" ... because now that he's gone, so is their hope for true justice.

Ron's sister, Kim, and father, Fred, put out a joint statement late Thursday, saying ... "For three decades we tirelessly pursued justice for Ron and Nicole, and despite a civil judgment and his confession in 'If I Did It,' the hope for true accountability has ended."

The statement -- referring to Simpson's 2007 book, "If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer" -- makes it clear the Goldmans, like millions of others, have no doubts about who murdered Ron and Nicole Brown Simpson ... no matter what the jury said back in 1995.

10:48 AM PT -- Kato Kaelin -- who was a key witness during the O.J. Simpson trial -- just posted a video responding to the news ... and he sends thoughts and prayers to O.J.'s children, as well as the families of the victims, including Nicole Brown Simpson.

He doesn't say much else about O.J. himself.

Nicole Simpson Brown's ex-boyfriend is relieved now that O.J. Simpson has died -- saying the news has left him with a smile on his face ... this, 30 years after her tragic murder.

Keith Zlomsowitch -- who dated Nicole in the early '90s, after she'd divorced O.J. -- dropped by on "TMZ Live" Thursday to talk about the news ... telling us he's glad O.J.'s now gone from this Earth, ending a long and painful saga for him.

Keith says with O.J. dead ... he won't be able to inflict any more pain or emotional stress on anyone else -- it goes without saying .. Keith is in the camp of folks who believe he did it.

Two of the attorneys connected to O.J. Simpson's infamous criminal trial are reflecting on the case's lasting impact on the justice system, and society at large ... and they view key issues from the trial very differently.

Gloria Allred, famed attorney and women's rights advocate, joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" to share her memories of representing Nicole Brown Simpson's family.

Allred recalled the moment Simpson was acquitted -- she was in court, sitting next to Nicole's father and her sister, Denise -- and despite the verdict, she says she was confident he had killed Nicole and Ron Goldman.

O.J. Simpson fue a la cárcel por robarle a un tipo a punta de pistola, y tras su muerte, la víctima de ese caso dice que va a echar de menos a The Juice ... En serio.

Bruce Fromong, a quien se enfrentó O.J. en 2007 con un grupo de matones en un intento por recuperar unos recuerdos deportivos que creía que le habían robado, le dice a TMZ que es un momento triste para su familia y amigos y para aquellos que realmente lo conocían.

Nos dice que O.J. era un buen padre y un buen hombre y que "se le echará mucho de menos, por muchos". Fromong no solo perdonó a O.J., sino que también se hizo su amigo.

O.J. Simpson went to prison for robbing a guy at gunpoint -- and in the wake of his death, the victim from that case says he's gonna miss The Juice ... yes, seriously.

Bruce Fromong -- whom O.J. confronted in 2007 with a bunch of goons in tow in an attempt to recover sports memorabilia he believed had been stolen from him -- tells TMZ ... it's a sad time right now for family and friends of O.J.'s, and for those who really knew him.

He tells us O.J. was a good father and a good man, and that he "will be sorely missed by many." Fromong not only forgave O.J. -- he befriended him too.

10:48 AM PT -- Kato Kaelin, quien fue un testigo clave durante el juicio de O.J. Simpson, acaba de publicar un video respondiendo a la noticia y envió pensamientos y oraciones a los hijos de O.J., así como a las familias de las víctimas, incluyendo a Nicole Brown Simpson.

No dijo mucho más sobre el propio O.J.

It's the Ford Bronco behind one of the most jaw-dropping moments in TV history ... transporting O.J. Simpson and his friend Al Cowlings during a wild 90-minute police chase back in '94.

But, the infamous vehicle's no longer in the fast lane, as it's simply on display at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee ... where visitors can get a close-up look at the ride that captivated the country.

It's been a bumpy journey, though, going from L.A.'s 405 freeway to its final resting place in Tennessee -- it's a path that was detailed on a 2017 episode of "Pawn Stars."

Ex-NFL superstar Todd Gurley says the football community lost an all-time great in O.J. Simpson ... praising the former running back for being like family to him.

"RIP To The Legendary O.J. Simpson," the former Rams All-Pro said on Thursday. "Your favorite RB favorite RB ... Appreciate you Uncle O/Juice you'll be missed."

Gurley didn't just acknowledge Simpson's success on the field ... he also made note of his recent endeavors -- including his usual appearances as an analyst on rappers Cam'Ron and Ma$e's "It Is What It Is" podcast.

"Thanks for the past year being on It Is What It Is!!," Gurley added. "Heisman, #1 pick, NFL MVP & the first ever 2000 yard rusher let alone to do it in 14games the list goes on & on!🙏🏾🕊️."

Gurley isn't alone in mourning Simpson's death ... as we previously reported, numerous pros took to social media to share positive messages on the former Bills star -- and retired receiver Torrey Smith called on news outlets to show more respect by avoiding using images from his infamous trial.

Some social media users have taken issue with their support ... after all, despite his acquittal in the criminal case, he was found liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in the civil case.

Caitlyn Jenner -- who used to be tight with Simpson -- sided with those upset over all the love for O.J. on Wednesday ... saying simply, "Good riddance."

Everyone seems to be reacting to the O.J. Simpson death news -- and the White House was no exception ... but their response to his passing is raising eyebrows, at least to some.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed O.J.'s passing Thursday during a press briefing -- but only when she was asked by a reporter ... at which point KJP directly acknowledged it by saying the administration was thinking of the family ... his brood, specifically.

She says, "Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Obviously with his family and loved ones. And I say this, I know that they have asked for some privacy -- and so we're going to respect that."

Ron Goldman's father says he's not focusing on O.J. Simpson today -- instead, he says he's remembering his son, and using today to think about how long he's been gone.

Fred Goldman spoke with People Thursday, hours after news of Simpson's death broke, and he told the outlet he's only thinking about how Ron died nearly 30 years ago ... and, not about how the man acquitted of his murder has finally died.

Goldman says he's focused on all of the pain he's dealt with over the years since his son died ... and, added the only important thing is remembering Ron and Nicole Brown Simpson today.

El padre de Ron Goldman dice que no se está pensando en O.J. Simpson hoy, en su lugar, está recordando a su hijo y todo el tiempo que ha estado ausente.

Fred Goldman habló con People el jueves, horas después de que se diera a conocer la noticia de su muerte y les dijo que solo está pensando en la partida de Ron hace casi 30 años y no en la muerte del hombre que resultó absuelto de su asesinato.

Goldman dice que se está centrado en el dolor con el que ha lidiado desde que su hijo murió y añadió que lo único importante es recordar a Ron y a Nicole Brown Simpson hoy.

Sumo wrestling legend Akebono -- who once competed against Big Show at WWE's WrestleMania 21 -- has sadly died at 54 years old.

Akebono's family said in a statement Thursday the former grand champion passed away in Tokyo earlier this month from heart failure. They added he had been receiving care at a local hospital when he died.

Akebono grew up in Hawaii -- but he made a name for himself after moving to Tokyo in the 80s.

O.J. Simpson's death might have shocked the world ... but, it didn't come as a surprise to his close friends -- who TMZ has learned came to Las Vegas to say their final farewells.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... those who remained in O.J.'s inner circle flew into Vegas over the last week to see him before he passed. Unclear exactly how many friends, or who showed up, but we're told a handful of people came to Sin City and got to see O.J.

We're told Simpson was communicating just fine and was able to talk with his pals ... but, our sources say they all knew the end was coming, and that this would be their last chance to get some face time.