Yes, the media exploited the racial dynamics. That being said, any astute observer of American history cannot deny the fact that the trial personified all the tropes of racial animus. To many White Americans, a Black man murders White woman, a blond haired one at that and another White man and gets away with it! This symbolizes a loss of control.

For many Black Americans, the trial demonstrated a Black defense attorney who played by the rules, commanded that courtroom like a boss, and a black defendant , largely due to his wealth, was able to secure the sort of "justice" that Rich White men have received for centuries.