My sister Nicole married OJ Simpson. This is what I wish I had known

Denise Brown's life changed forever on June 13, 1994, a day that would become etched in her memory as one of unimaginable trauma.

The last time Denise spent with her sister Nicole was just hours before the tragic events unfolded. They were celebrating at a restaurant and Nicole suddenly pointed out OJ Simpson driving by outside. "All of a sudden she goes, 'Oh my God, there he is,'" Denise recalls.

Nicole's words sent chills down Denise's spine as she too caught a glimpse of the former American football star. The conversation turned to their summer plans, but the unease lingered in the air.

The next morning, Denise received a devastating phone call from her mother. A detective from the Los Angeles police department was on the line, informing them that Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman had been found stabbed outside Nicole's house. The news was met with a scream that Denise would never forget, a guttural cry of anguish that still haunts her today.

The reality of what had happened finally sunk in as Denise took the phone from her mother's hand. She knew, deep down, who was responsible for the heinous crime. "I said: OJ Simpson, she remembers telling the detective, who asked who she meant.

Everything about Nicole's relationship with OJ flashed back into Denise's mind, the 17 years of abuse and trauma that had been hidden from the world. The acquittal in the following year was a crushing blow to Denise and her family, but it only strengthened her resolve to speak out against domestic violence.

Simpson's subsequent conviction for armed robbery and kidnap saw him serve nine years behind bars before being released in 2017. He died eight years later, in 2024.

Denise has dedicated the past three decades to campaigning against domestic violence, inspired by her sister's tragic fate. Her new book, For My Sister Nicole, is a testament to her enduring love and determination to save lives.

Brown's new book is not just a personal memoir, but also a resource guide for those affected by domestic abuse. It provides practical advice and support for individuals experiencing this type of violence, as well as their families and friends.

When reflecting on her own experience with Nicole, Brown acknowledges that she didn't handle the situation correctly. Instead of being supportive, she was critical and dismissive, which is a common mistake many people make when dealing with loved ones in abusive relationships.

Brown has since realized that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. She recalls thinking that abuse only happened to women living in poverty, but now understands that it's a far more widespread issue.

Nicole Brown Simpson came from a loving and close-knit family, with four sisters growing up in an affluent coastal city. However, despite her privileged upbringing, she was still vulnerable to the manipulative tactics of her abuser.

Brown has spoken about how Nicole would often downplay or minimize the abuse she suffered at the hands of OJ Simpson. It wasn't until after her murder that Brown and their family discovered the full extent of the abuse through Nicole's journals.

These journals revealed a pattern of controlling behavior and physical violence that had been ongoing for some time. Despite seeing signs of this behavior, Nicole would often blame herself or make excuses for Simpson's actions.

When Brown first met OJ Simpson, her sister had already been in a relationship with him for several months. At the time, Nicole was just 18 years old, and Simpson was around 30.

Brown recalls taking her sisters to watch Simpson play football, but it was during this visit that she witnessed Nicole's behavior change after being kissed on the cheek by another man. This incident seemed to trigger a reaction from Simpson, who made Nicole feel guilty and ashamed.

The next day, Brown tried to persuade Nicole to return with her to New York, where she had a job as a model. However, Nicole refused, indicating that she was already deeply entrenched in her relationship with Simpson.

Brown's experience has taught her the importance of education and support when dealing with domestic abuse. She wants victims to know they're not alone and that it's not their fault they're suffering at the hands of their partner.

Nicole's behavior after the violent incident at Simpson's house puzzled Brown. Despite witnessing her partner's anger and aggression firsthand, she chose to return home without taking any action or expressing concerns about their relationship. When questioned about it later, Nicole brushed off the episode as a result of excessive drinking.

Brown thought he understood his sister's decision to stay in the relationship, assuming it was an isolated incident that wouldn't repeat itself. He had seen a side of Simpson he didn't like and considered him to be crazy" and "an asshole. However, Brown couldn't explain the specifics of what had transpired or why Nicole seemed so accepting of her partner's behavior.

As time went on, Brown witnessed more instances of Simpson's abusive behavior towards Nicole. Despite his reservations about Simpson, he still thought that Nicole was an adult who knew better than to stay in a toxic relationship. He couldn't fathom why she wouldn't leave him, even when faced with the evidence of his aggression.

In hindsight, Brown realizes that leaving an abusive partner can be incredibly difficult for victims. It's not just about rebuilding self-esteem or finding the courage to walk away, it's also about recognizing the danger that often accompanies such relationships. Abusers frequently use threats against their partners' loved ones, including children and family members, as a means of control.

When Nicole was killed, Brown learned more about the dynamics of domestic violence. He understood that victims often feel trapped in their situations, not just because of emotional manipulation but also due to the genuine fear of what might happen if they leave. This includes the possibility of physical harm or even death at the hands of their abuser.

The trauma and fear experienced by victims can be intense, making it challenging for them to seek help or support. Brown acknowledges that Nicole was likely aware of the danger she faced in her relationship but felt unable to escape. He wishes he had been more supportive and understanding of her situation.

Brown's experience with his sister serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence. It highlights the need for greater awareness, education, and support systems for both victims and their loved ones. By sharing his story, Brown hopes to help others understand the intricacies of abusive relationships and provide a voice for those who may be struggling in silence.

Ultimately, Brown's account underscores the importance of empathy and compassion when dealing with domestic violence cases. It also emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing this issue, one that acknowledges the complexities and challenges faced by victims and their families.

Nicole's struggles to leave her abusive husband were well-documented, and Brown recalls how her sister would often ask for help in documenting her injuries.

The situation highlights the complexities involved in helping victims of domestic abuse, who may need multiple attempts before they feel safe enough to leave their partners.

It can be frustrating for loved ones watching from the sidelines as a victim tries to escape an abusive relationship. However, Brown emphasizes that patience and understanding are crucial during this time.

She stresses that even after Nicole finally left Simpson in 1992, he continued to stalk her sister, demonstrating the ongoing threat posed by abusers long after the initial separation.

The police received several calls about Simpson's behavior, including one from Nicole just eight months before she was murdered. In it, she reported that Simpson had broken into her house.

Nicole also made a crucial phone call five days before her murder to a domestic violence shelter, which Brown believes was a desperate plea for help. The shelter plays a critical role in providing support and safety plans for victims trying to leave abusive situations.

The intense media scrutiny surrounding the murders of Nicole and Goldman took a toll on the families involved, with Brown's own home being targeted by paparazzi helicopters hovering overhead.

In the aftermath of Nicole's funeral, Simpson's decision to go on the run added to the chaos, culminating in a dramatic car chase that was broadcast live across the country until his eventual arrest.

The trial of OJ Simpson was a sensationalized spectacle that captivated audiences across the country, and it played a significant role in popularizing the true crime genre. The courtroom drama was broadcast live, drawing millions of viewers into its orbit. Brown's family was escorted to the courthouse each day, but they were spared the chaos and commercialism that surrounded the trial.

Despite being shielded from the outside commotion, Brown took the stand as a key witness in the case. However, she claims that prosecutors initially tried to use her testimony to educate the jurors about domestic violence, only to have those plans scrapped later on. In retrospect, she believes that the jury's verdict was misguided, observing that This wasn't a domestic violence case. This was a murder trial."

The aftermath of the not guilty verdict left Brown reeling, and it took her some time to come to terms with the outcome. She has since reflected on the distinction between being found not guilty and being innocent, acknowledging that the two are not synonymous.

In 1997, Simpson was held liable for Nicole's and Goldman's deaths in a civil trial, ordered to pay $34m to their families. Brown has never seen or interacted with Simpson since then, choosing instead to focus on her advocacy work and her own life. She asserts that Simpson does not occupy any space in her thoughts or experiences.

The controversy surrounding Simpson did not dissipate after the 1997 trial. In 2006, it was announced that he had co-authored a book titled If I Did It, which explored how he might have committed the murders if he had done so. The book's release sparked widespread outrage and was eventually cancelled.

Brown has chosen to distance herself from Simpson's antics, stating that she pays him no mind and does not consider him to be a part of her life or experiences. She continues to prioritize her advocacy work, which aims to combat domestic violence and support its victims.

The murders and trial have continued to inspire numerous documentaries over the years. Brown tends to avoid watching these programs, preferring instead to change the channel when they come on. However, she does maintain contact with some of Simpson's children, who lived with their father at the time of the tragedy.

As a seasoned advocate for domestic violence survivors, Brown has no intention of slowing down her work anytime soon. At 69 years old, she remains committed to raising awareness about this critical issue and pushing for meaningful change. Her foundation may have closed its doors, but Brown's determination to make a difference endures.

Shelters for victims of domestic abuse are on the brink of collapse due to a lack of funding from the government.

The crisis is particularly concerning given that many shelters rely heavily on public support to operate, and the current situation has pushed them to their limits.

Brown's sister Nicole was tragically murdered by her ex-husband in 1994, an incident that highlighted the scourge of domestic violence and led to increased awareness and legislation aimed at protecting women.

The Violence Against Women Act, which followed Nicole's murder, has been a crucial step forward in addressing this issue, but its future is uncertain under a president who has expressed skepticism about its effectiveness.