On May 13, 2025, nearly nine years after a traumatic armed robbery in Paris, Kim Kardashian testified in a French court against ten individuals accused of orchestrating the heist that left her fearing for her life. The incident occurred in October 2016 during Paris Fashion Week, when masked men, disguised as police officers, entered her hotel suite, bound and gagged her, and stole approximately $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West.
During her emotional testimony at the Palais de Justice, Kardashian recounted the harrowing details of the night. She described how the intruders forced the hotel concierge to lead them to her room, where they zip-tied her hands, duct-taped her mouth and eyes, and placed her in a bathtub. Believing she was about to be raped and killed, she prayed for her family and children, thinking she would never see them again.
Kardashian’s friend and stylist, Simone Harouche, who was in a downstairs bedroom at the time, testified that she heard Kardashian screaming in terror during the incident. Harouche locked herself in a bathroom and texted Kardashian’s sister and bodyguard for help.
The trial, which began on April 28, 2025, involves ten defendants, many of whom are elderly and have been dubbed the “grandpa robbers” by the French press. One of the accused, Aomar Ait Khedache, considered the mastermind of the robbery, had previously sent Kardashian an apology letter in 2017. During the trial, Kardashian acknowledged the letter and stated that she forgives him but emphasized that the trauma from the event still affects her.
In a striking statement, Kardashian arrived at the court wearing an estimated $8 million worth of jewelry, including a diamond ring similar to the one stolen in the robbery. This choice was seen by many as a message of resilience and defiance against her attackers.
The robbery had a profound impact on Kardashian’s life. She testified that she now lives with heightened security measures and continues to experience psychological effects from the ordeal. The trial is expected to conclude on May 23, with a verdict anticipated the following day.
Kardashian’s testimony not only sheds light on the traumatic experience she endured but also highlights the broader issues of celebrity security and the psychological toll of such crimes. Her decision to confront her attackers in court serves as a powerful statement of courage and a step toward closure.
