Tanya Brown has expressed her deep emotions following news of Joseph Perrulli’s recent memoir, “The Forgotten Briefcase”, which honours her late sister, Nicole Brown Simpson. The memoir recounts Perrulli’s relationship with Nicole during a pivotal time in her life, shortly after she separated from NFL star O.J. Simpson, who was later accused of her murder in 1994.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Tanya conveyed her surprise and gratitude for Perrulli’s reflections on her sister. “People don’t always understand, but I’m 10 years younger than Nicole,” Tanya explained. This age gap meant that much of Nicole’s life was lived away from her younger sister, who had just entered junior high when Nicole left their family home to start her own life.
The tragic story of Nicole, who was only 35 when she was murdered outside her Brentwood, California, condo in June 1994, continues to haunt her loved ones. Alongside Nicole, her friend Ronald Goldman was also killed that fateful night. The details surrounding the case and the public scrutiny of Nicole’s life have overshadowed her identity, creating an enduring question for those close to her: “Who really knew Nicole? Who was Nicole?” Tanya reflected.
Perrulli’s memoir sheds light on the person behind the tragedy, revealing a side of Nicole that few are aware of. He describes her as “far different than what had been portrayed”—a more spiritual and down-to-earth individual. During the interview, he shared an impactful memory of Nicole gifting him her favourite book, “Celebrate the Sun” by James Kavanaugh. Hearing this detail deeply moved Tanya, who admitted, “I was so touched. I’ve been crying since last night.”
Tanya expressed her longing for more insights into her sister’s life, saying, “I didn’t know how they fell in love. I didn’t know when they fell in love. I didn’t know if my sister was even in love.” The connection that Perrulli shared with Nicole, however brief, provided Tanya with a glimpse into her sister’s later years, a time that she has always struggled to comprehend due to the circumstances surrounding her death.
Perrulli ultimately ended his relationship with Nicole due to the intimidation posed by O.J. Simpson, yet his feelings for her were genuine. Tanya finds solace in knowing that, during her final two years, her sister was able to experience love away from the violence that defined her earlier relationship. “I’m just really, really happy to know that my sister lived out her last two years without that monster,” she said, expressing a bittersweet joy in her sister’s fleeting peace.
The upcoming anniversary marking Nicole’s tragic death has brought fresh waves of grief for Tanya. The week is laden with painful memories: Nicole’s murder on June 12, her burial four days later, and O.J. Simpson’s notorious police chase on June 17. Tanya noted that this year feels different, stating, “I really feel like this 32nd year, I am grieving for the very first time. I don’t know why. It’s surreal.”
A poignant moment came when Tanya saw a handwritten card from Nicole that Perrulli shared during the interview. “Seeing the card that Joseph shared, that was her handwriting. Her voice,” Tanya recounted, revealing her yearning to learn more about Nicole’s true self. She hopes that Perrulli’s book will spark further stories from those who knew her sister well.
In her quest to honour Nicole’s memory and support victims of domestic violence, Tanya has collaborated with a friend to create a series of commemorative magnets, titled “Nicole: A Life Remembered”. The project features images of her sister, with a portion of the proceeds directed to a women’s shelter in Naples, Florida. “It’s about keeping Nicole alive,” she shared. “I miss my sister every day.”
Tanya Brown continues to advocate for awareness around domestic violence, using her experiences to foster understanding and remembrance of her sister’s life. For anyone struggling with domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential assistance and resources at 1-800-799-7233 or through their website.