Company ordered to turn over O.J. book

Sat May 26, 5:53 AM ET

A federal judge has ordered a bankrupt company owned by O.J. Simpson's children to turn over any copies of Simpson's canceled book, "If I Did It."

Lorraine Brooke Associates, which names Simpson's oldest daughter, Arnelle, as its head, retains the rights to the book, in which the former NFL star explains how he might have committed the killings of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

Simpson was acquitted of murder in 1995. The book has been the subject of a legal fight between Simpson and Goldman's family, which has tried to collect a $33.5 million civil judgment from Simpson for about a decade. HarperCollins planned to publish the book but canceled the deal following public outrage.

Lorraine Brooke, which struck a deal with HarperCollins to be included in an auction for the book's rights, then filed for bankruptcy, putting the sale on hold. Arnelle Simpson sought to reorganize Lorraine Brook, which would have allowed her to maintain temporary control over it, but U.S. Bankruptcy Judge A. Jay Cristol ruled last week that the company should be liquidated. He decided an independent trustee would control it.

On Wednesday, Cristol ordered that all copies of the book, including excerpts, summaries and manuscripts, be turned over to prevent any unauthorized distribution or dissemination.

Peter Haven, an attorney representing the Goldman family, said his clients were concerned that portions of the book might be released or sold, which could cause the value of Simpson's assets to decrease.

"We're in favor of everything that is done that helps provide some compensation to the family of the victim," Haven said.

Calls to attorneys representing Lorraine Brooke and other attorneys involved in the bankruptcy case were not immediately returned Friday evening.