Company ordered to relinquish copies of O.J. Simpson book

A U.S. federal judge has ordered a bankrupt company owned by O.J. Simpson's children to turn over any copies ofthe former football star'scancelled book If I Did It.

Lorraine Brooke Associates, which names Simpson's oldest daughter, Arnelle, as its head, retains the rights to the book, in which the former NFLplayer explains how he might have committed the killings of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

Simpson was acquitted of murder in 1995. The book has been the subject of a legal fight between Simpson and Goldman's family, which has tried to collect a $33.5-million US civil judgment from Simpson for about a decade. HarperCollins planned to publish the book but cancelled the deal following public outrage.

Lorraine Brooke, which struck a deal with HarperCollins to be included in an auction for the book's rights, then filed for bankruptcy, putting the sale on hold.

Arnelle Simpson sought to reorganize Lorraine Brook, which would have allowed her to maintain temporary control over it, but U.S. bankruptcy Judge A. Jay Cristol ruled last week that the company should be liquidated. He decided an independent trustee would control it.

On Wednesday, Cristol ordered that all copies of the book, including excerpts, summaries and manuscripts, be turned over to prevent any unauthorized distribution or dissemination.

Peter Haven, a lawyerrepresenting the Goldman family, said his clients were concerned that portions of the book might be released or sold, which could cause the value of Simpson's assets to decrease.

"We're in favour of everything that is done that helps provide some compensation to the family of the victim," Haven said.

Calls tolawyers representing Lorraine Brooke and otherlawyers involved in the bankruptcy case were not immediately returned Friday evening.