Goldman family discusses reasons for publishing Simpson book on 'Oprah'

CHICAGO -- The father and sister of Ronald Goldman say by seizing control of the O.J. Simpson book, "If I Did It," they are punishing the man they believe murdered their loved one.

Fred Goldman and his daughter, Kim, appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Thursday to discuss their decision to publish the book, released the same day. Simpson was acquitted in 1995 of killing his ex-wife, Nicole, and her friend, Ronald.

Over the summer, a federal bankruptcy judge awarded the book's rights to Goldman's family to help satisfy a $38 million wrongful death judgment against Simpson. The Goldmans retitled the book "If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer."

Winfrey said she won't buy or read the book, and asked the Goldmans if they don't feel its proceeds are "blood money."

"It's sending him a message," Kim Goldman said. "He put hours putting together this confession about how he killed Ron and Nicole, and he worked hard thinking he was going to make millions off of it. And we snatched it right out from under him."

Winfrey said dedicating a show to the topic was a "moral, ethical dilemma" for her.

She said she committed to the show when the guests were to also include Nicole Simpson's sister, Denise Brown, who has been severely critical of the Goldmans for publishing the book.

Brown later refused to share a stage with the Goldmans, however, and Winfrey said felt she had to keep her word to the Goldmans.

Winfrey acknowledged that her program often promotes books and authors, yet, she said, "I don't want to be in the position to promote this book, because I, too, think it's despicable."

Denise Brown did speak to Winfrey, but on her own in a segment taped earlier.

She said she decided against appearing with the Goldmans because she feared it would give the book "more impact."