*Warning* Some readers may find this article triggering
Kim Kardashian gives testimony in Paris for robbery trial
This week, Kim Kardashian arrived in Paris to give her testimony to the court in the Paris robbery trial.
In October 2016, the reality TV star was bound and held at gunpoint while millions worth of jewels, including a $4 million ring, were stolen.
The BBC reported live from court, detailing the case and Kim Kardashian’s emotional testimony.
The details of the case
Kim was in Paris for Fashion Week when the robbery took place.
According to the BBC, the reality star stated:
“Paris is always a place that I love so much.”
“I always felt really safe… I’d stop in little hotels for hot chocolate, it was magical.”
“But when I came for Fashion Week during that trip, it changed everything.”
That night, Kardashian’s sister, friend and mum were away. Kim was packing up at 3 am and getting ready for bed when she heard sounds from the stairs.
Two men came into her room, whom she believed were police officers at first. The men brought the night receptionist, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, who was handcuffed.
The robbers repeatedly asked her for the “ring”:
“I was still in such shock, because honestly a lot of terrorist attacks were going on in the world and me and my friends were talking about what was going on in the world and… I didn’t get what was happening and I didn’t get it was about my jewellery, even though they specifically asked for my ring.”
Kim was then brought to a different room “to look for more jewellery”, where a gun was pointed at her back:
“That was the first moment I thought should I run for it? But it wasn’t an option so I just stayed – and that’s the moment I realised I should just do whatever they say.”
Kardashian was bound with zip ties and was thrown on the bed. Kardashian was wearing only a robe and wasn’t wearing anything underneath. One of the men pulled her towards him:
“I’m certain that’s the moment he rapes me. I say a prayer to mentally prepare myself”.
Instead, her legs were tied together, and a gun was pointed at her.
“At that point I was sure that’s when they were going to shoot me.”
“I absolutely did think I was gonna die.”
One of the intruders dropped her on the floor in the bathroom as they fled.
Kardashian freed herself to find her stylist, Simone Harouche, whose room was below Kardashian’s.
Approximately $10m worth of jewels, including her engagement ring, was taken that night.
What happened in court
The men, dubbed the “grandpa robbers”, have been on trial since April.
According to the BBC, twelve men were due to appear in court; one has since died, and another was excused due to health reasons.
Two of the ten men appearing in court deny involvement in the burglary.
Kim Kardashian gave her testimony in court alongside her stylist, Simone Harouche.
In court, they went through her movements that day, and how this has affected her moving forward, where she explained she developed a “phobia of going out”:
“So I can’t even sleep at night if I know there’s not multiple security.”
The judge shares that Aomar Ait Khedache, one of the defendants who pleaded guilty, wrote her a letter, which she didn’t know about.
In the letter, Aomar Ait Khedache apologised for the “psychological harm” Kim has endured following the robbery.
Kim said she appreciated the letter and said she now forgives Aomar Ait Khedache.
Kim Kardashian said she wanted to hear people speak their truth during the trial.
She explained, “I wanted to be a part of today because I am a victim in this case and it’s the first time I’m able to really hear from everyone and follow along.”
“It was terrifying and life changing and I don’t wish that kind of terror on anyone – to think you could be killed or raped – I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”
After several hours in court, Kim Kardashian was seen leaving the building with her mother, Kris Jenner.
