Kardashian expresses close-call-with-death sentiment during Paris robbery court testimony.
Casually Retold:
Droves of reporters and onlookers have gathered for the high-profile trial of ten folks, with Kim Kardashian taking the stand. Niña Kardashian, famed reality star and online influencer, thanked French officials for allowing her to share her side of the story while dressed in a swanky black suit and glitzy necklace.
"Hey, everybody! I'm here, Kim Kardashian, and I wanna thank the French police for letting me talk today," she addressed the packed courtroom. "I came to Paris for Fashion Week, and I've always adored the city."
Dating back to October 2, 2016, and while at a swanky, secret hotel in the Parisian heart, Kardashian was gutted when she heard "footsteps" grumbling up the stairs. In her own words: "I thought they were cops since they were wearing uniforms," she explained, shaking her head.
"Then one guy said 'ring ring' a few times and pointed a finger with an accent. I didn't understand he was signaling for my bling," she continued, pausing momentarily. The men were successful in swiping a 3.5 million euro diamond ring given by her ex, Kanye West.
The miscreants began searching for more valuables, threatening Kardashian with a firearm, and wrapping her up with zip ties, she revealed, visibly moved by the recollection. "I was convinced he was gonna pop me, so I said a prayer for my family," she admitted, bursting into tears.
Questioned if she thought she would perish, she responded without hesitation: "Yeah, I thought I was a goner."
Fears of being violated crossed her mind but were quickly halted when the man brandishing the gun wrapped her legs and stuck some tape on her, she shared.
The unexpected intrusion and gun left her quivering, even though she wasn't hit by the assailants. But one of the thieves whispered a comforting phrase, which she felt meant he wanted her to know she'd be alright if she kept mum.
The majority of the suspects are elderly men with criminal backgrounds, with nicknames like "Old Omar" and "Blue Eyes." Aomar Ait Khedache, also recognized as "Old Omar," admitted to tying up Kardashian but claimed to not be the mastermind behind the heist. Another speaker, Yunice Abbas, later wrote a book about the incident.
In a letter, Khedache apologized to Kardashian for his actions, admitted how moved and touched her tears had left him, and noted he had undergone a change of heart since the robbery. "I appreciate the letter, for sure," reassured Kardashian, overcome by emotion. "I've always believed in second chances."
She forgave Khedache for his part in the robbery but acknowledged that she would always maintain the emotional scars and changes to her lifestyle. "I've never felt the same about my security since the Paris incident," she testified, mentioning the numerous bodyguards now protecting her home and her newfound caution regarding social media posts.
She sought therapy for her anguish and fears but tries to stay strong for the sake of her kids. The tabloids insinuated that the robbery was a stunt or insurance fraud, but Kardashian vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "really hurtful."
Previously known for being recognized as famous for being famous, Kardashian became a household name through reality TV shows before establishing fashion brands, appearing in films, and launching wellness and beauty lines.
The trial is set to continue until May 23, 2025.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/04/entertainment/kanye-west-kim-kardashian-robbery/index.html
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kim-kardashian-testifies-paris-robbery-trial-2025-05-02/
[3] https://www.france24.com/en/20220329-kim-kardashian-testifies-in-paris-robbery-trial-calling-arsonist-a-hero
- In the trial, Kim Kardashian discussed her emotional journey following the 2016 robbery, sharing how it has affected her health, lifestyle, and perspective towards security and social media.
- Besides general news about the ongoing trial, entertainment outlets have been coverage the event, discussing its impact on Kim Kardashian's career, as well as her interactions with the celebrities involved, such as French authorities and the convicted criminals.
