Kim Kardashian has given emotional testimony in a Paris courtroom, recounting the harrowing night she was tied up at gunpoint and robbed of millions in jewellery during Paris Fashion Week in 2016.
Speaking at the Palais de Justice on Tuesday, the US celebrity and entrepreneur said she feared for her life as masked men disguised as police broke into her private apartment in the early hours of the morning.
“I absolutely did think I was going to die,” she told the court, recalling how she was bound with zip ties and duct tape while a gun was pointed at her head.
€9 million robbery
Kardashian described the long-lasting trauma caused by the €9 million heist, explaining how she remains under constant protection, never walks alone, and employs security for her children. “I started to get paranoid about going out,” she said.
One defendant wrote a book about it
Ten individuals – nine men and one woman – are standing trial for their alleged roles in the burglary, which prosecutors say was carefully planned. Two of the accused, including Yunice Abbas, have admitted to being present at the scene. Abbas later published a book titled Kidnapped Kim Kardashian, which the reality star said caused her fresh distress.
“I was pretty shocked… this man not only stole this jewellery and memories from me, but then capitalised on it,” she said.
The group of alleged robbers, dubbed the “grandpa gang” or papys braqueurs by French media due to their advanced age, includes suspects with nicknames such as “Old Omar” and “Blue Eyes”. Aomar Ait Khedache, also known as Old Omar, wrote a letter of apology to Kardashian, read aloud during proceedings. The star, visibly emotional, responded: “I forgive you… but it doesn’t change the emotions and trauma.”
Paparazzi outside court
The trial, which began in late April, has drawn significant public interest, with fans and journalists crowding outside the courthouse. Kardashian said she chose to testify in person to find closure. “I wanted to be here because I am a victim… this is me putting this hopefully to rest,” she said.
Only one piece of jewellery, a diamond cross, has been recovered. Police tracked the suspects through DNA found on the duct tape used in the robbery and CCTV footage showing their escape on bicycles. The trial is expected to continue through the month.
