Reality TV star Kim Kardashian appeared in a Paris courtroom to face the alleged gunmen who held her at gunpoint and stole millions in jewelry nearly nine years ago.
According to Fox News, Kardashian testified on Tuesday that she thought she would die during the terrifying 2016 incident when masked intruders broke into her hotel room, bound her with zip ties, and stole $4 million worth of jewelry, including her engagement ring.
The SKIMS founder, accompanied by her mother Kris Jenner, arrived at the courthouse wearing an all-black ensemble to confront the group known as the "grandpa robbers" due to their advanced age. More than 17 people were initially arrested as suspects after investigators found DNA evidence on plastic bands used to restrain Kardashian.
Kardashian shared harrowing details of the October 2016 incident during her testimony. The reality star was alone in her room at the No Address Hotel when the intruders, disguised as police officers wearing ski masks, forced their way in.
The mother of four recalled screaming, "I have babies," to the robbers as they held her at gunpoint. The attackers proceeded to tie her up with handcuffs and zip ties before placing duct tape over her mouth and eyes.
Kardashian said through her attorney, Michael Rhodes, that she appreciates how the French judicial system has handled the case. Ten people are currently on trial, with five facing armed robbery and kidnapping charges.
In her emotional testimony, Kardashian revealed the profound psychological impact of the incident. She emphasized that the traumatic experience changed her approach to life and material possessions.
Kardashian told the court:
I was certain that was the moment that he was going to rape me. I absolutely did think I was going to die. It was the scariest thing I've ever been through in my entire life. Just thinking that, you know, you're about to die. … You're bracing yourself for the moment they're going to shoot you and kill you.
The reality star's mother, Kris Jenner, later shared her perspective:
You know, [the robbery has] changed the way we live our lives and just the way we take care of our kids and our grandchildren. So it's been a process.
The trial marks a significant development in the nearly decade-old case that sent shockwaves through celebrity security circles. Five suspects face serious charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, while others are charged with being accomplices or unauthorized possession of weapons.
The investigation gained momentum after authorities discovered DNA evidence on restraints used during the robbery. This crucial evidence led to the arrest of multiple suspects, culminating in the current trial of 10 individuals. French authorities have worked closely with Kardashian's legal team throughout the proceedings. Her attorney praised the French judicial system's handling of the case while emphasizing his client's commitment to seeing justice served.
The Paris robbery trial represents a crucial moment in Kardashian's journey to overcome the traumatic incident that occurred in October 2016. The reality star and businesswoman faced her alleged attackers in a Paris courtroom, providing powerful testimony about the night she feared would be her last.
The trial involves 10 defendants, including five facing armed robbery and kidnapping charges, while others are accused of being accomplices or possessing weapons without authorization. The proceedings continue as French authorities work to bring justice to the high-profile case that fundamentally changed how the Kardashian family approaches security and public exposure.
