Tonight, Fox will show you something that it wasnt willing to a decade ago.
The data pipe will air a two-hour special titledO.J.
Simpson, or watching specials and series and docs about O.J.
Credit: Michael Yarish/FOX
Simpson, I thought this had the potential to forge new ground.
ThatsbeforeI watched the 2006 interview.
After I screened it, I knew this would be something everyone would want to see.
Its the most bizarre interview Ive ever been part of.
Fox initially canceled the special over the backlash.
How did you feel about that decision at the time and do you think sentiments have changed?
As you point out, it was controversial, then eventually scuttled.
Hearing friends and family members of the victims were on board was important for me.
And they told me why: They feel like everyone should hear O.J.
Simpson in his own words, even talking hypothetically about the night of the murders.
He never testified on the stand.
They felt the public should hear and see this.
He frames it as hypothetical, but its so detailed and specific.
O.J.s description of his relationship with Nicole is illuminating.
Also very dysfunctional, even as he tries to make it all sound very normal.
How would you describe the tone of the panel discussion?
And what conclusions are reached?Our panel is incredible.
Chris Darden from the original prosecution team.
FBI profiler Jim Clemente.
Domestic violence expert Rita Smith.
Nicole Brown Simpsons childhood friend Eve Chen.
And Judith Regan, who conducted the 2006 interview.
Its a great panel.
I think watching Chris Darden watch O.J.
recount that night it was like watching him get punched in the gut.
And Eve I was grateful she stayed for the whole panel.
Much of what she heard was brutally painful for her.
The tone Id describe as thoughtful and analytical but Id seen it five times.
None of them including Judith had ever seen the interview.
Stunned would be the appropriate word for their reactions.
Will viewers see anything in this special that will change their minds about O.J.
Simpson?Thats a good question.
I think there will always be people who think O.J.
Others who will always think O.J.
But this interview is like nothing youve ever seen before.
