OJ publisher sacked

The publisher at the centre of a planned OJ Simpson book, in which the former American football star would hypothetically discuss how he would have killed his wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman, has been fired.

Judith Regan publicly defended the controversial book project, If I Did It, despite pleas from the families of the deceased not to go ahead with publishing plans. The book and an accompanying TV special were pulled when it became clear the controversy was too great.

Now Regan is looking for work after she was unceremoniously sacked over the weekend.

In a terse statement from HarperCollins CEO Jane Friedman, the publishing house's boss, writes: "Judith Regan's employment with HarperCollins has been terminated, effective immediately. The Regan publishing program and staff will continue as part of the HarperCollins General Books Group."