O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson's double-murder trial became the most watched courtroom event in American history, with 150 million viewers for its verdict—a criminal acquittal that remains deeply divisive. The Hall of Fame running back rushed for 11,236 yards, but his 1995 civil trial found him liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, ordering $33.5 million in damages. Compared to #3 McGregor, whose violent outbursts are captured on video, Simpson's case hinged on forensic evidence and racial tensions that split public opinion. His 2008 armed robbery conviction for stealing sports memorabilia at gunpoint led to a nine-year prison sentence, cementing his transformation from hero to villain. No other figure on this list has caused such a stark divide: one poll showed 72% of Black Americans believed he was innocent, while 73% of white Americans believed he was guilty.