Peacock’s two-part documentary series OJ’s Accomplice revisits an alternative theory surrounding the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman: that O.J. Simpson was assisted by another man. Simpson was acquitted in the double homicide, and both he and Joey Ippolito, the man identified by the series as the leading suspect in that theory, are now deceased.
The documentary’s most striking moment came during an interview with Charlie Ehrlich, a former convict and friend of Simpson’s, at the strip club he manages. After director Sumit David told Ehrlich that the production needed to film additional footage, the two moved toward the bar while Ehrlich remained miked and within the camera’s frame.
Ehrlich then recounted a story he said he had heard from Lou Ippolito, Joey’s brother. According to Ehrlich, Lou claimed that Joey had admitted involvement in the Simpson and Goldman murders during a trip to Italy shortly before his death. The account is also discussed in the documentary by Ehrlich’s friend Joe Spitaleri, who described it as a deathbed admission passed from Lou to Charlie and then to him.
Director Ari Mark told The Hollywood Reporter that Ehrlich knew he was wearing a microphone and likely understood that the cameras were still recording, although he appeared to become more comfortable and speak more casually. Mark also said that Lou Ippolito had previously told production the same story off camera. Footage of Lou was recorded, but he asked the producers not to use it.
Joey Ippolito’s widow, Nicole Ippolito, has rejected the series. In an email to The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets, she called the project misguided and said its sources were promoting an unsupported story for financial gain. Mark said Ehrlich was paid only for rights to archival photographs and other materials, not for his interview.
The series was initially scheduled for a December release but was moved up. Peacock said the change was intended to keep the documentary part of the current news cycle, particularly after a New York Times article examined the same theory using much of the same source material. Mark said he had assisted with that article and wished there had been more coordination between the projects.
Mark told The Hollywood Reporter that he believes Simpson was the principal perpetrator and that the murders were more premeditated than commonly assumed. He also said he considers the idea that Simpson had an accomplice at the scene more logical than not, while the claims presented in the documentary remain disputed.
OJ’s Accomplice is available to stream on Peacock.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.