Kim Kardashian takes the stand: reliving the Paris robbery that stunned the world

IOL News

14-05-2025

Kim Kardashian
Image: Instagram.
In a gripping courtroom drama reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller, this week, Kim Kardashian took the stand in a Paris courtroom, recounting the chilling details of the terrifying robbery that left an indelible mark on her life.
The reality TV star and billionaire entrepreneur faced ten defendants, dubbed the "grandpa robbers" by French media, accused of robbing her at gunpoint during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016.
The case is considered one of the most significant individual robberies in France in the last two decades.
On the early morning of October 3, 2016, Kardashian was staying at the luxurious Hotel de Pourtales during Paris Fashion Week when armed men, masquerading as police officers, broke into her suite.
In what can only be described as a nightmare scenario, Kardashian was tied up and held hostage at gunpoint, as the robbers made off with an astonishing €10 million in jewellery.
As Kardashian took the stand, in the trial that is currently being presided over by three judges and a jury of six, she revealed harrowing details of that faithful night.
'I was certain he [one of the robbers] was going to rape me,' she said.
She vividly described the moments of fear and confusion, recalling how she had fallen asleep naked, her robe falling open when one of her captors pulled her across the bed.
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'I absolutely did think I was going to die. I said a prayer for my family, and for my sister who would walk in [and find me] and that they would have an okay life after what they saw."
She also reflected on the profound impact the incident has had on her life, declaring it a "violent act" that has led her to make significant changes in her lifestyle.
No longer keeping jewellery at home and enhancing security measures, Kardashian stated that she has introduced precautions that may seem extreme to others, adding how social media's instant sharing culture has made her extra paranoid.
Kardashian explained: "Being touched and picked up when you're naked is very violating."
In a surprising turn of events during the trial, three of the defendants expressed messages to Kardashian, with two presenting apologies in person and one delivering a written note that Kardashian was unaware of until it was read in court.
Tearfully, Kardashian chose to forgive one of the robbers.
After five hours of intense questioning, Kardashian gave a sign she was feeling the pressure: a giant yawn.
Amid a life lived on screens, she explained to the French court that posting on social media was part of "American culture", dubbing the posts "mini reality shows".
On the fashion front, for her court appearance, Kardashian wore an all-black ensemble with several unexpected touches. She opted for a structured black blazer.
The jacket featured padded shoulders, a fitted waist, and a peplum detail. She paired the plunging blazer with a long black maxi skirt with a slit up the back, a pair of black slingback heels, and black Alaïa sunglasses.
She wore a large statement diamond necklace and a pair of sparkly climber earrings.
Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner as they walk outside the court house in Paris.
Image: Instagram
This shift in style comes after Kardashian had seemingly put aside much of her extravagant jewellery due to the fear of being robbed again.
Now, as she embarks on this new journey, her return to bold accessories speaks volumes about her resilience and ability to redefine herself amid challenges.
Her mother, Kris Jenner, accompanied her daughter to the trial. She wore a checked blazer and black pants.
The trial is set to conclude at the end of this week.