The late Tawny Kitaen, renowned 1980s model and music video icon, may have held pivotal information about O.J. Simpson’s abusive treatment of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson – information that could have altered the course of the infamous 1995 double murder trial.
Despite her close relationship with Simpson, Kitaen chose to remain silent throughout the trial and kept her knowledge private until her death in 2021 at age 59.
Kitaen’s years-long affair with Simpson coincided with the period in which Nicole suffered repeated abuse at the hands of her husband, yet she never spoke out about what she witnessed. This silence left prosecutors without what many believe would have been crucial testimony.
A troubling affair amid abuse and fear
Sources reveal that Tawny Kitaen was fully aware of Nicole‘s painful ordeal but continued her relationship with Simpson regardless.
“Tawny knew about the abuse Nicole endured but chose to ignore it and stayed with O.J.,” said an insider.
Even as Simpson stood trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, Kitaen remained quiet.
Nicole’s close friend Faye Resnick previously disclosed that Nicole had confided in her about Simpson’s three-year affair with Kitaen. Nicole endured so many beatings over this infidelity that she couldn’t count them. In fact, Nicole once wrote a desperate letter to Kitaen warning her of Simpson’s violent tendencies and pleading for her to leave him.
The letter described the abuse Nicole had already survived and expressed her fear that Simpson would kill her. Yet, Kitaen reportedly dismissed the warning and continued seeing Simpson. Meanwhile, Simpson was also involved with another woman, Paula Barbieri, making the situation even more complex.
During the trial, Simpson denied any physical abuse despite evidence including Nicole’s letter. Without Kitaen’s testimony to corroborate Nicole’s claims, the jury lacked potentially critical insight into Simpson’s violent behavior. Ultimately, Simpson was acquitted in the criminal trial, although he was later held liable in a civil court.
Following the trial, Tawny Kitaen’s life declined. She struggled with addiction and faced legal troubles, including a domestic violence arrest involving her ex-husband Chuck Finley in 2002. Though charges were dropped after counseling, those close to her say she lived with profound guilt over her silence.
“She carried a heavy burden and went to her grave haunted by the choice not to expose O.J.,” the source said.
The tragic saga of the Simpson trial continues to raise questions about the impact of silenced witnesses and the cost of hidden truths. Tawny Kitaen’s refusal to testify remains a poignant reminder of the complexities behind one of the most infamous cases in American history.
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