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O.J. Simpson's SNL Grievances Led to Firings
13 Jun
Summary
- O.J. Simpson reportedly called network executives about SNL jokes.
- Jokes about Simpson created pressure on SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
- Jim Downey and Norm Macdonald were fired from SNL in 1998.
Jim Downey, a former writer for Saturday Night Live, has shared how O.J. Simpson's sensitivity to jokes made at his expense contributed to Downey's and Norm Macdonald's dismissals from the show. Simpson reportedly expressed his displeasure directly to network programming head Don Ohlmeyer after jokes appeared on 'Weekend Update.'
These complaints created significant pressure for SNL creator Lorne Michaels to act. Michaels expressed concern to Downey about how the jokes might alienate their African American audience. Despite this, Downey and Macdonald continued their critical style of comedy.
Ultimately, the ongoing pressure from Simpson, who maintained his innocence in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, led to both Macdonald and Downey being fired in 1998. Downey noted Ohlmeyer's long-standing friendship with Simpson as a factor in the decision, even expressing a degree of respect for Ohlmeyer's loyalty.
