Rights up for Simpson book

Although their financial value is clouded with controversy, the literary rights to “If I Did It,” O.J. Simpson’s aborted book about how he might have killed his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, will be auctioned off April 17 by the Sheriff’s Department in Sacramento County.

The auction had been ordered by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Gerald Rosenberg, with the specification that all proceeds from the sale and any profit from a resulting book be given to Goldman’s family.

The auction will be held in Sacramento because that is where HarperCollins -- the company that had originally agreed to publish the controversial book -- has its California offices. The publisher is a division of News Corp., the media conglomerate that had also planned to air a television special based on the book. Both projects were canceled last year, amid growing public criticism. In the fallout, publisher Judith Regan -- who had promoted both projects -- was fired.

The Goldman family has been attempting to collect a $33.5-million civil judgment against Simpson, the former NFL star. Notice of the impending auction was sent to a variety of Hollywood studios, talent agents and publishers. It is not clear, however, who will actually bid on the rights to the book.

Josh Getlin

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