Simpson Will Sponsor Event to Fight Spousal Abuse

O.J. Simpson plans to hold a fund-raiser next week at his Brentwood home for the Stop the Violence-Increase the Peace Foundation, an organization that attempts to reduce spousal abuse and other forms of violence.

Leaders of the Inglewood-based group said Simpson approached them to sponsor the black-tie reception and that they welcomed the offer, despite Simpson’s past charge for spousal abuse.

Foundation President Khalid Shah said members believe that they must be receptive to assistance from all quarters and that the June 27 event at Simpson’s home might prompt a healthy discussion of violence and racism.

“We have dealt with ex-gang members who have murdered three and four people in their lives. We have to understand them. And we all deserve a chance for healing,” Shah said. “I don’t think there is anyone who is beyond reproach, who doesn’t have any skeletons in their closet.”

The event will be the first such function at Simpson’s Rockingham Avenue estate since the former football great was acquitted last year of the murders of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Lyle Goldman.

Attorney Gloria Allred, a spokeswoman for Nicole Simpson’s family, said the anti-violence group should not “stoop” to associating with Simpson, who pleaded no contest to battering his wife in 1989.

“Any organization dedicated to stopping violence ought not use Mr. Simpson or allow Mr. Simpson to use them in connection with their campaign,” Allred said. “It’s clear to me he is involved in a public relations campaign on a grand scale to spit-shine his image and to try to erase from the public’s memory the kind of person that he really is.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, a member of Stop the Violence’s advisory board, said she did not know about the fund-raiser until a reporter told her about it. But she had no objection to it being held at Simpson’s home.

“My attitude is everybody in the world has made money off this case. I guess if [Stop the Violence] can get some money, more power to them,” said Burke, who does not plan to attend.

Asked if Simpson’s spousal battery conviction made his home an inappropriate venue for an anti-violence organization, Burke responded: “I think what they are interested in is raising funds. I guess what they have found out is that that name is like magic--people will drive from the east to come out and drive by [the Rockingham home]. They probably feel that this is a place where they can make money.”

Muhammad Nassardeen, a board member with the organization, said: “The curiosity factor is probably the greatest attraction” to pump up attendance.

A one-page letter from Stop the Violence says the reception and a silent auction “will be attended by a very select group of press and celebrities.” About 500 people have been invited.

The letter suggests donations ranging from $100 to $10,000 and says no cameras will be allowed “without prior approval.” The money will help stage a July 13 Violence Awareness Run, which will start at the Forum in Inglewood, Nassardeen said.

He said he believes that Simpson is participating as part of his effort to become more active among African Americans, who polls show have been more forgiving toward Simpson than other ethnic groups have.

“It was pretty clear that he had a great deal of support from the African American community,” Nassardeen said. “And it was clear the community viewed him as not giving it much support, prior to his legal battle. It makes sense for him to come out and support events like this. And I get the sense from him that he is very, very sincere.”

Stop the Violence was best known for helping broker a gang truce in South-Central Los Angeles. Its volunteer counselors try to mediate disputes within homes and in neighborhoods, Shah said.

In October, Stop the Violence helped kick off a yearlong anti-violence drive at a rally attended by Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams. Balloons were released at the event, inscribed with the names of 100 murder victims--including Nicole Brown Simpson.