While the trial of OJ Simpson was the first major celebrity court case, it certainly wasn’t the last.
The former American Football player and actor died on April 10th after a battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family.
Once regarded as one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time, Simpson hit the headlines around the world when he was charged with the murder of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.
After one of the most high-profile court trials in history, he was eventually acquitted of both murders.
TRT World Presenter Enda Brady told The Anton Savage Show the highly televised trial was his first experience following a major trial.
“It was basically the pages of a book coming to life in front of you,” he said. “The prosecution, the defence, seeing everything play out.
“Not forgetting that two families were left devastated off the back of what he did or didn't do, but I think we all can draw our own conclusions.”
As a journalist student in the UK, Mr Brady was not really aware of who Simpson was before the trial, but as a beloved football player and actor, his stardom in the US left many divided over his verdict.
“Everyone had an opinion on it,” he said. “American court cases are just like box office to watch and to follow because the lawyers are so good.”
The Wagatha Christie trial
In the UK, the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial took the nation by storm, when Rebekah Vardy sued Colleen Rooney for libel after Ms Rooney accused Ms Vardy of leaking personal information about to the press.
Mr Brady said “sadly, we're not at a stage in the UK where cameras go into court”.
“I would love it someday if there were a big trial in the UK where people could actually see the workings of law,” he said. “A celebrity case like that would certainly get viewing figures.
“I know Sky News have been pushing this for decades, decades and decades, trying to get cameras into court.
“I think there's a little bit of concern in legal circles that they don't want the law being turned into a media circus, but certainly the Wagatha Christie trial that was sensational.”
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