Jim Downey Says O.J. Simpson Would Call NBC Executives to Complain About “Saturday Night Live” Jokes at His Expense

O.J. Simpson’s contentious relationship with comedy, particularly concerning the sketch show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), has come into focus following remarks by former writer Jim Downey at the Tribeca Festival. Simpson, who was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, was reportedly none too pleased with the long-running jokes directed at him, particularly those crafted by Norm Macdonald and Jim Downey.

During a panel discussion held on June 6 at the Tribeca Festival, Downey recounted how Simpson would frequently voice his discontent over SNL’s portrayal of him. He noted that the disgraced athlete would reach out to Don Ohlmeyer, NBC’s head of programming, every Sunday night after the show aired. “O.J. used to call up Don Ohlmeyer every Sunday after ‘Update,’ to complain about the jokes,” Downey revealed. This constant flow of complaints reportedly put considerable pressure on Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, to address the issue, although Michaels did express support for both Downey and Macdonald.

Despite acknowledging the ‘mean-spirited’ nature of their humour, which Downey admitted might be described as “a little rough,” he defended their right to utilise such comedic approaches. Downey detailed an instance where Michaels expressed concern about the impact of the jokes on the show’s African American audience, while not outright asking them to cease. “What makes you and Norm so certain that O.J. is guilty?” Michaels supposedly queried, to which Downey responded incredulously.

Simpson’s acquittal in 1995 had not tempered the public’s perception of guilt, and he maintained his innocence until his passing in April 2024. His post-football career included a significant stint in prison due to a robbery and kidnapping conviction, but his past continues to haunt him in various forms, including the incessant jokes at his expense. Downey remarked that the relentless reminders of Simpson’s past were a source of frustration for the former sports star, contributing to an ongoing tension between him and the show.

As a result of Simpson’s persistent complaints, both Downey and Macdonald found themselves ousted from SNL in 1998. Reflecting on their departure, Downey acknowledged that Ohlmeyer’s long-standing friendship with Simpson played a significant role in the decision to terminate them. In a previous interview from 2014, he stated, “Don had just had enough,” although he admitted to respecting Ohlmeyer’s loyalty—an uncommon trait in the entertainment industry.

Downey emphasised that Ohlmeyer remained steadfast in his association with Simpson, even celebrating the athlete’s acquittal with a party for the corresponding jurors. “Most people in show business would sell out anyone in their lives, for any reason at all,” Downey noted, appreciating Ohlmeyer’s commitment to his friend amid the escalating controversy.

Following their dismissal, Downey ultimately returned to SNL in 2000 after Ohlmeyer retired, regaining his status as one of the show’s esteemed writers. He remarked on how the experience of being fired generated a strong outpouring of support from colleagues and friends, adding that the attention surrounding the incident turned out to be the most significant press he ever received.

Macdonald, who had been particularly vocal in his SNL skits, may not have relished the experience of their firing to the same degree, but for Downey, the situation was invigorating. The fallout from Simpson’s acquittal and the ensuing jokes demonstrate the often thin line between comedy and the repercussions it can evoke, especially when the subject is as polarising as O.J. Simpson.

In conclusion, the ongoing saga serves as a reminder of how the interactions between celebrities and the media can create an intricate web of professional and personal tensions. While humour serves to engage audiences, it also has the power to upend lives, as seen through the lens of Simpson’s experience and the repercussions faced by those who dared to poke fun at his story.