Robert Kardashian, best known now as the patriarch of the Kardashian family, played a pivotal, if complex, role in the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial. While not initially the lead attorney, Kardashian’s close friendship with Simpson and his legal background thrust him into the heart of the “Trial of the Century,” making him a significant figure in the defense team and a constant presence beside the accused. His involvement highlights not only the legal intricacies of the case but also the intense personal drama that captivated the world.
When Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered in 1994, O.J. Simpson immediately turned to his longtime friend, Robert Kardashian. On the day police intended to arrest Simpson, he was at Kardashian’s residence. Instead of surrendering, Simpson fled, leading to the now legendary low-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco. Kardashian was on the phone with Simpson during this dramatic event, desperately urging him to surrender peacefully. This initial involvement underscored the deep personal bond between the two men and set the stage for Kardashian’s deeper role in the legal battle to come.
Robert Kardashian during the O.J. Simpson trial, a key member of the defense team.
Although Robert Kardashian had stepped away from active law practice for two decades, the gravity of the situation compelled him to reactivate his law license. He joined Simpson’s defense team, not as a lead litigator, but in a crucial strategic and supportive capacity. As he explained to the Los Angeles Times in 1994, his role was about “strategy and liaison” between the high-powered lawyers and his friend, O.J. Simpson. Kardashian’s intimate understanding of Simpson’s personality and his unwavering loyalty made him an invaluable confidant and advisor throughout the stressful legal proceedings. He was frequently seen visiting Simpson in jail, providing not just legal counsel, but also personal support during an incredibly trying time.
Robert Kardashian consulting with O.J. Simpson and Alvin Michelson during a hearing, showcasing his role as both lawyer and friend.A significant point of controversy during the trial revolved around a bulging garment bag Kardashian was seen carrying from Simpson’s home shortly after the murders. Prosecutors speculated that this bag might have contained the murder weapon, which was never recovered. When the bag became evidence, Kardashian controversially invoked attorney-client privilege to avoid testifying about its contents. This action fueled speculation and suspicion, with Ron Goldman’s sister suggesting that Kardashian’s reactivation of his law license was primarily to utilize this privilege, shielding potentially crucial evidence.
The friendship between Kardashian and Simpson eventually fractured following the publication of American Tragedy: The Uncensored Story of the Simpson Defense. Simpson felt betrayed, believing Kardashian had violated attorney-client privilege by disclosing information to the book’s authors. In a revealing 1996 interview with Barbara Walters, Kardashian publicly stated he harbored doubts about Simpson’s innocence. He cited the blood evidence as particularly troubling, stating, “The blood evidence is the biggest thorn in my side; that causes me the greatest problems.” This public admission marked a significant shift in Kardashian’s stance and highlighted the profound internal conflict he faced.
In the 2016 FX series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Robert Kardashian’s character, portrayed by David Schwimmer, was deliberately presented sympathetically. The show’s creators emphasized his role as a loyal friend caught in an extraordinary situation, lacking any ulterior motives beyond supporting someone he believed in. This portrayal reflects a broader public interest in understanding Kardashian’s perspective and his complex position within one of the most sensational legal cases in American history. Robert Kardashian’s legacy remains intertwined with the O.J. Simpson trial, forever remembered as the Kardashian Oj Simpson Lawyer who stood by his friend, even as doubt crept in.
