(NewsNation) — Kato Kaelin, who was a struggling actor when he lived in a guest house on O.J. Simpson’s property and testified at the Simpson criminal trial, says there “never really will be closure” for the Nicole Simpson Brown and Ron Goldman families.
“It goes on forever,” Kaelin said exclusively Thursday night on “Banfield.” “There never really will be” closure for the victims’ families, because Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman “can’t be brought back to life.”
Simpson died from cancer Wednesday surrounded by his children and grandchildren. In a tweet Feb. 9, Simpson said he had health challenges but indicated he was recovering.
Orenthal James Simpson, also known as “The Juice” on the football field, was an award-winning athlete who spent 11 seasons in the NFL. However, his athletic success was overshadowed by accusations he killed his ex-wife and her friend.
Simpson was acquitted of the killings in a criminal trial but found liable for them in a civil suit. He later spent time in prison after being charged with armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas.
Kaelin’s reaction to Simpson’s death
Kaelin first shared his reaction to Simpson’s death on social media.
“Foremost, I’d like to express my condolences to the children, to Sydney and Justin, to Jason and Arnelle. They lost their father, and that is never easy. I wish to express my love and compassion to the Goldmans, to Fred and to Kim. I hope you find closure. And finally, to the family of the beautiful Nicole Brown Simpson, may we always cherish her memories. Nicole was a beacon of light that burned bright, and may we never forget her,” Kaelin said.
Kaelin’s testimony
Kaelin was a key witness in the trial. He testified that he heard a “bump” during the night of the murders and went outside to find Simpson in the yard.
Prosecutors later said Kaelin’s testimony showed Simpson was sneaking back home after the killings. Mocked on talk shows as America’s most famous houseguest, Kaelin has gone on to appear on reality shows, as well as in small parts in TV sitcoms and films, and to launch a loungewear clothing line.
Relationship to Simpson
Kaelin met Nicole Brown Simpson at the end of 1992. She was divorced from O.J. and became friends with Kaelin through mutual friends during a trip in Aspen.
Shortly after, Nicole Simpson invited Kaelin to rent her guest house for $475 a month, he revealed during an interview on VladTV.
After the trial
Kaelin said he’s remained positive since the trial.
“I’m blessed that I have the best friends in the world. The best family in the world. Because when you have that backing, you can conquer anything. Their guidance make things OK,” Kaelin told “Banfield.” “I really believe everything is going to be compared to that trial … It’s never gonna end. It’ll go on forever.”
NewsNation’s Steph Whiteside contributed to this report.
