The American celebrity, Kim Kardashian, appeared in a Paris court on Tuesday, sharing her experience of being robbed at gunpoint during the 2016 Paris Fashion Week. She feared for her life as masked men stole millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry from her.
The trial, which has attracted significant media attention, involves ten suspects who have been on trial since April for the armed robbery. The robbers made off with jewelry valued at approximately $10 million from Kardashian, who was staying at an exclusive hotel in central Paris at the time.
“Hi! I’m Kim Kardashian and I just want to thank everyone, especially the French authorities, for allowing me to testify today and tell my truth,” Kardashian said as she began giving her testimony in the packed courtroom, wearing a black suit.
The court heard Kardashian’s account of the harrowing incident that took place on the night of October 2-3, 2016. She was in her hotel room when she heard “stomping” up the stairs and assumed the intruders were police officers. When they entered her room, one of the men repeatedly said “ring,” pointing to her jewelry.
After stealing a diamond ring valued at €3.5 million ($3.9 million), the robbers continued to threaten Kardashian with a gun and tied her up. “I was certain that he was going to shoot me so I said a prayer for my family,” she said emotionally, adding that she feared for her life and prayed for her family’s well-being.
In addition to the gun threat, Kardashian also feared that she might be raped. The attacker, however, placed tape over her legs and avoided further violence.
The masked men, known as the “heist of the century” in the French press, fled the scene with millions of dollars in stolen jewels. The suspects on trial, aged between 60 and 70, are said to have criminal histories and possess nicknames that evoke the image of old-school French criminals.
Among the suspects is Aomar Ait Khedache, known as “Old Omar,” who admitted to tying Kardashian up but denies being the mastermind. Another suspect, Yunice Abbas, later wrote a book about the heist, recalling the chaotic moments of the escape.
It was also revealed that Kardashian’s driver’s brother, Gary Madar, allegedly tipped off the suspects about Kardashian’s whereabouts, a claim which has been ridiculed by Madar’s lawyer.
The case could have unfolded very differently, as Kardashian had considered joining her sister at a nightclub but decided to stay in the hotel instead. Her security detail, including a bodyguard named Pascal D., rushed back to the hotel when Kardashian tried to call them after the robbery.
When the bodyguard found her, Kardashian was “crying hysterically,” he testified.
Kim Kardashian, known for her reality TV appearances, fashion ventures, and social media influence, has become one of the world’s most followed personalities. She is listed among Time’s 100 most influential people and was recognized by Fortune as one of the most powerful women.
The trial is set to conclude on May 23.