On May 13, 2025, nearly nine years after enduring a harrowing armed robbery in Paris, Kim Kardashian faced her alleged assailants in a French courtroom. The trial, which commenced on April 28, 2025, has been dubbed the “robbery of the century” and involves ten defendants, many of whom are elderly, earning them the moniker “Grandpa Robbers” .(Vanity Fair, The Sun)
The 2016 Paris Robbery: A Night of Terror
In the early hours of October 3, 2016, while attending Paris Fashion Week, Kardashian was alone in her luxury suite at the Hôtel de Pourtalès. Five men, disguised as police officers, forced their way into her room. They bound her wrists and ankles with zip ties, gagged her with duct tape, and placed her in the bathtub. The intruders stole approximately $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West. The robbers fled the scene on bicycles, leaving behind a traumatized Kardashian .(Glamour, Wikipedia, Wikipedia, The Sun, People.com)
The Investigation and Arrests
French authorities launched an extensive investigation, leading to the arrest of 17 suspects in January 2017. DNA evidence and surveillance footage were instrumental in identifying the perpetrators. Among those arrested was Aomar Ait Khedache, believed to be the ringleader, and Yunice Abbas, who later co-authored a book about the crime . The trial faced numerous delays due to the complexity of the case and the advanced age of the defendants.(People.com, The Sun)
Emotional Testimony: Kardashian Faces Her Assailants
During her testimony on May 13, 2025, Kardashian recounted the traumatic events of that night. She described how the masked assailants tied her up, threatened her with a gun, and caused enduring psychological trauma. Kardashian tearfully recalled fearing rape and death during the attack, stating, “I absolutely thought I was going to die” . She emphasized how the robbery transformed her life, leading to heightened security measures, trust issues, and changes in her public behavior and business .(Vanity Fair, TMZ)
In a poignant moment, Kardashian addressed a letter of apology from Khedache, expressing forgiveness but underscoring the lasting trauma. She stated, “I forgive you. That doesn’t mean that what you did wasn’t wrong. It was wrong, and it changed my life forever” .(Vulture, Vanity Fair)
Impact on Kardashian’s Life and Career
The robbery had a profound impact on Kardashian’s life. She significantly reduced her public appearances and social media activity, citing concerns for her safety. The incident also influenced her business ventures, leading to increased focus on security and privacy. Kardashian’s former stylist, Simone Harouche, also testified, recounting her own terror and PTSD from the incident .(Page Six, Vanity Fair)
The Trial’s Broader Implications
The trial has highlighted the contrast between Kardashian’s affluent lifestyle and the socioeconomic background of the accused. Khedache, now 69 and suffering from health issues, expressed deep remorse and gratitude for her forgiveness. The proceedings have underscored themes of trauma, justice, and rehabilitation nearly a decade after the crime .(Vanity Fair)
Conclusion
As the trial continues, Kardashian’s courageous testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of trauma and the importance of seeking justice. Her willingness to confront her assailants and share her experience publicly has shed new light on one of the most high-profile celebrity crimes of the past decade. The trial is set to conclude on May 22, 2025, with a verdict expected the following day .(People.com, Vulture)
For a visual account of Kardashian’s testimony, you can watch the following video:
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