On December 20, 1985, a drunk driver passing by Kim and her family’s car crashed into a nearby tree, sending his car battery flying through their windshield and splashing its acid onto Kim’s 14-year-old face.
Highlights
- Kim Goldman, sister of Ron Goldman, recently appeared in the Netflix docuseries “American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson.”
- She has a prominent facial scar from a childhood car accident in 1985, where a drunk driver’s car battery exploded and caused acid burns on her face.
- After the O.J. Simpson trial, Kim Goldman became a prominent advocate for victims’ rights, working with various organizations and speaking at conferences to support victims of violent crimes.
- Kim Goldman has authored several books detailing her experiences and advocacy work and has been involved in non-profit organizations.
Kim Goldman, sister of the late Ron Goldman, has recently garnered attention for her participation in the Netflix docuseries “American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson,” which premiered on January 29, 2025.
This four-part series revisits the infamous trial of O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
In the series, Kim offers a candid perspective on the events surrounding her brother’s death and the subsequent trial.
She expresses her enduring frustration over the lack of justice, stating that her family never received any of the financial compensation awarded in the civil trial against O.J. Simpson.
Kim’s participation in the docuseries has brought renewed attention to her story, her ongoing advocacy for victims’ rights, and a prominent facial feature— a scar she has carried since she was 14.
On this date October 3 in 1995, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Photo by Myung J. Chun: Fred Goldman hugs wife Patti Goldman, Goldman's sister Kim Goldman reacts during reading of not guilty verdicts in trial. #OTD pic.twitter.com/vT22R1M29z
— Jeffrey Guterman (@JeffreyGuterman) October 3, 2023
Battery Acid From A Drunk Driver Scarred Kim’s Face When She Was 14
On December 20th, 1985, the Goldman family, consisting of Kim, her brother, Ron, father, Fred, and step-mom, Patti, were involved in a horrific car accident while on a vacation in Ft. Lauderdale.
While driving down the road, a passing drunk driver lost control of his car, causing his tire to blow up and his car to crash into a nearby tree, catapulting his car battery across the road and through the windshield of the Goldman family’s car.
The battery exploded upon impact and spewed battery acid directly onto Patti’s and Kim’s faces, scarring them.
In a memoir, Kim recalled,
My brother pulled my scared and shaking body from our station wagon, and laid me on the street alongside my step-mom Patti, who was screaming for help. I couldn’t see her or anything for that matter, but could feel the panic in her voice.
kimberlygoldman.com
We were met by an emergency crew that happened to be in the parking lot near where the accident occurred and they tended to us immediately.
At first, nobody knew what the foreign liquid was that was essentially drowning my step mom and I, but because of the quick response by the EMT’s who doused my eyes with water, I would only lose my sight for three days as opposed to being blind for the rest of my life.
In the hospital, it would be revealed that Patti suffered 1st and 2nd-degree acid burns, while Kimberly suffered 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree acid burns on her neck, eyes, nose, and forehead.
Kim would require multiple plastic surgeries to reconstruct her face back to normal.
Being the positive person she is, Kim went on to write in her memoir,
I can recall every last detail of this night and the trauma we all endured … but upon reflection it’s the life lessons that I am able to focus on and be grateful for. At such a young age, entering puberty with a maimed (and in my eyes, hideous) face … I somehow managed to keep my head up and my humor intact. I sincerely embraced the concept that beauty is truly skin deep.
kimberlygoldman.com
I learned quickly how to rely on my wit, laughter, wisdom, courage… And despite wanting to hide from the world, I turned outward. I focussed on school and put my energy towards helping others.
Kim Goldman Has Been Involved In Advocating For Victims’ Rights After The Infamous Trial
After the controversial O.J. trial, Kim Goldman became a prominent victims’ rights advocate.
She has dedicated her life to supporting other victims of violent crimes and their families.
She has been involved in various advocacy efforts, including speaking at conferences, participating in workshops, and working with organizations focused on victims’ rights and judicial reform.
Kim has also been vocal about her experiences and the impact of the trial on her family.
She has criticized the media’s focus on O.J. Simpson’s celebrity status and the racial aspects of the case rather than the victims.
Her advocacy work has aimed to bring attention to the needs of victims and to push for changes in the criminal justice system.
Kim Goldman Is A New York Times Bestselling Author
Kim Goldman has authored several books that provide insight into her experiences and advocacy work.
In “His Name Is Ron: Our Search for Justice,” a book Kim co-authored with her father, Fred Goldman, she details their journey through the criminal and civil trials, their fight for justice, and their efforts to bring about judicial reforms.
“Can’t Forgive: My 20-Year Battle with O.J. Simpson” details Kim’s personal struggles, the emotional toll of the trial, and its aftermath.
“Media Circus: A Look at Private Tragedy in the Public Eye” explored the impact of media coverage of high-profile crime cases and the experiences of victims and their families.
Celebrating #MediaCircus pub day! 5 yrs ago, we wrote a book to tell the incredible stories of victims & survivors who share their experience with living life in the public eye while trying to navigate a very private tragedy. Always grateful for their courage and trust. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/GqPYnnkE3u
— Kim Goldman (@KimEGoldman) September 22, 2021
Kim Has Been Involved In Various Public Works And Non-Profit Organizations
She has worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade, focusing on assisting underserved communities and advocating for victims’ rights.
As executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project, she has been involved in providing free mental health services, crisis intervention, and support groups for teenagers dealing with various issues, including depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Kim has also served as the state director for Best Buddies California, a non-profit organization dedicated to forming friendships between developmentally disabled individuals and their non-disabled peers.
As communications manager for Cure Autism Now, she has been involved in autism research and awareness.
Kim has also hosted podcasts, such as “Confronting: O.J. Simpson” and “Media Circus,” where she discusses her experiences and interviews individuals involved in high-profile crime cases.
Additional Information
- Kim Goldman was married to Michael Hahn from 2001 to 2005. They had a son together, Samuel Ronald Hahn, who was born in 2003.
- The couple finalized their divorce in 2007. Their relationship had its challenges, and Kim has shared that her ex-husband was emotionally and verbally abusive.
- Kim was 23-year-old when the O.J. Simpson trial began on January 24, 1995.
