Watch: Khloe Kardashian Addresses O.J. Simpson, Robert Kardashian Paternity Rumors
Joseph Perrulli is sharing insight into his bond with the late Nicole Brown Simpson.
Over three decades after O.J. Simpson’s ex-wife was murdered alongside her friend Ron Goldman, her former lover detailed the brief relationship they had in 1992.
After initially being introduced by their mutual friend Kris Jenner in 1989, Joseph and Nicole reconnected years later at the Kardashians star’s home amid her separation from O.J., Joseph told People in an interview published June 16.
According to the wine entrepreneur, Kris’ then-partner Caitlyn Jenner told him, “She’s a wonderful girl, great mother. She’s not caught up in all the Beverly Hills stuff. Her only problem is O.J.”
Indeed, Joseph became “extremely enchanted” with Nicole.
The pair later spent time together at Nicole’s rental home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and got to know each other better.
“I learned about her musical tastes and her favorite restaurants,” Joseph explained. “She was a foodie and had destination dishes all around Los Angeles.”
“And then,” he added, “we kissed.”
But while Joseph and Nicole shared a wealth of letters and pictures together, their connection was influenced by O.J.’s impact on her life. In fact, Joseph had an “eerie feeling” while leaving Nicole’s house one night, which he said was confirmed when a neighbor told him the late football star had been secretly spying on his date with Nicole.
As Joseph recalled, “I walked to my car and kept feeling the need to look over my shoulder.”
Plus, Nicole allegedly told Joseph how her ex-husband—who died in 2024—would physically assault her, though Joseph was “woefully unprepared” for how to handle the situation.
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“I knew nothing about domestic violence,” he said. “She held it so close to the vest.”
Ultimately, after O.J. unexpectedly showed up to a holiday weekend with Nicole’s family, Joseph decided that the Roots actor’s imposing presence was too much and said he chose to call it quits.
“I didn’t think I could live my life like this, feeling like this man’s lurking everywhere I go,” he explained. “As hard as it was, I left the next day and decided to end the relationship.”
After their breakup, Joseph packed his memories with Nicole into a briefcase and hid it away. But now, he has decided to turn those pictures and letters into his new book The Forgotten Briefcase, which he hopes will rewrite how Nicole is remembered publicly.
“The story was always about O.J. Simpson, but I wanted to share the story of Nicole,” he said. “As I pieced it back together, I saw her coming back to life.”
Indeed, he added, “I rediscovered who this woman was. She was far different than what had been portrayed—more spiritual and more down-to-earth—and I felt it was incumbent upon me to tell her story.”
For a look back at the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, including bizarre details about the case, keep reading…
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