**Denise Brown Speaks Out on Domestic Violence Legacy of Sister Nicole Brown Simpson**
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Denise Brown, sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson, has opened up about the profound impact of discovering her sister’s handwritten journals, which chronicle years of domestic abuse. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Denise recounted the shock she felt upon reading these journals just months after Nicole’s tragic murder in 1994, a discovery that compelled her to educate herself on the critical issue of domestic violence.
The journals were uncovered by Denise’s sister, Dominique, who found them hidden beneath the kitchen sink. “When I started reading these [journals], I threw him down on the bed, and I just said, ‘This is impossible!’” Denise recounted, reflecting on the disbelief she felt as she processed the revelations. While she had been aware of occasional verbal and emotional abuse occurring between Nicole and her ex-husband O.J. Simpson, the extent of the violence was far more alarming than she could have anticipated.
Denise expressed her heartbreak upon realising that she had witnessed some of the incidents documented in the journals, only to see them escalate into more violent interactions when out of public view. This painful discovery came at a time when the family was thrust into the national spotlight, dealing with the aftermath of Nicole’s murder whilst simultaneously confronting the horrifying truth about the abuse her sister endured.
Determined not to let her sister’s legacy be forgotten, Denise chose to confront the situation head-on rather than retreat from public life. She took it upon herself to learn everything she could about domestic violence, sharing her knowledge through speaking engagements at colleges and women’s shelters across the United States. Many of the women she spoke to found themselves in situations similar to Nicole’s, and Denise provided vital advice on how to approach discussions with victims of abuse.
As she delved deeper into the subject, Denise learned that victims often return to their abusers multiple times before breaking free. “On average, a victim will leave and return seven to ten times,” she noted, adding that even after a divorce, the risk of violence remains alarmingly high, with a 75 per cent likelihood of abuse recurring. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I truly believe that learning about domestic violence after her murder was what pushed me into doing what I’m doing today.”
On October 6th, Denise will release her first book titled *For My Sister Nicole: Love Shouldn’t Hurt*, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence. The book features a collection of incidents Denise witnessed during Nicole’s life, along with insights from experts and stories from other survivors she has encountered throughout her advocacy.
In her book, Denise recounts an incident from Christmas 1988, when Nicole and O.J. were visiting the Brown family in Hawaii. As they left a restaurant, a man approached and asked to hold Nicole’s infant son, Justin. After the man kissed the child goodbye, O.J. erupted in anger, berating Nicole for allowing a “gay man” to kiss their son. In a moment of defiance, Nicole responded, “Why not? Who cares? Your father was gay.” Denise reported that this comment exacerbated O.J.’s anger, resulting in a violent altercation later that night, which was revealed in Nicole’s journals.
“I could not believe my eyes when I read about how he’d beaten her that night and threatened to hang her off the balcony of their oceanfront suite,” Denise revealed, emphasising her anguish at having unknowingly been present during such a harrowing moment in her sister’s life.
As the 32-year anniversary of Nicole’s murder approaches, Denise continues to grapple with the emotional weight of her sister’s legacy. “I believe that Nicole was put on this earth to shine a light on domestic violence, and to be that face,” she expressed, her voice choked with emotion. “But why did it have to be my sister?”
Denise’s journey from grief to advocacy exemplifies a commitment to honouring Nicole’s memory by educating others about the realities of domestic violence, ultimately hoping to prevent further tragedies. Through her work and the release of her upcoming book, Denise aims to inspire change and provide support to those affected by similar experiences, making it clear that love should never come at the cost of safety and well-being.