Kim Kardashian to Testify in Paris Robbery Trial: Revisiting the 2016 Fashion Week Heist

Kim Kardashian is set to take the stand in Paris this week as the long-awaited trial begins for the 10 defendants involved in the terrifying 2016 armed robbery that left the reality star bound, gagged, and robbed of over $10 million in jewelry.

Her French legal team confirmed that Kim is personally attending the proceedings and is prepared to testify with “dignity and courage”, confronting those accused of orchestrating one of the most high-profile celebrity robberies in modern history.

What Happened in Paris in 2016?

During Paris Fashion Week in October 2016, Kim was staying at the exclusive “No Address” hotel in the city’s 8th Arrondissement. On the night of the robbery, the star — alone in her room and wearing only a bathrobe — was held at gunpoint, tied up with zip ties, and gagged with tape by masked intruders pretending to be police officers.

The robbers made off with an estimated $10 million worth of jewelry, including Kim’s 18.8-carat diamond engagement ring from Kanye West, valued at $4 million, which has never been recovered.

Harrowing Details Revealed in Court

On the witness stand this week at the Cour d’Assises in Paris, French detective Michel Malecot testified about what he and his team found that night.

“We found her very traumatized,” he said. “She was sitting on the sofa because she managed to free herself after her attackers left.”

Malecot described discovering pieces of tape and zip ties in the hotel room, confirming how Kardashian and a hotel night watchman were both restrained during the heist. Kim’s personal bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, was not present at the time of the robbery.

Only One Item Ever Recovered

Despite the robbery making international headlines and multiple arrests over the years, only one item from the heist — a diamond-encrusted cross — has been recovered. A passerby found the piece of jewelry on the street after one of the fleeing bandits dropped it while escaping by bicycle.

Kim’s prized engagement ring remains missing to this day, a reminder of the traumatic incident that left a permanent mark on her life and public image.

What to Expect in the Trial

The 10 defendants, most of whom are now in their 60s and 70s, are being tried for their roles in the heist. Kim Kardashian will be questioned by the judge, followed by her lawyers, then the prosecution, and finally by the defense attorneys representing the accused.

Her attorneys, Leonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattout, told the media,

“We want to give everyone the opportunity to hear her testimony in her own words, so we won’t be commenting on the substance of what she will say.”

This moment marks a significant step in Kim’s personal healing journey. Though she has spoken about the incident in documentaries and interviews over the years, this will be her first in-person confrontation with the alleged perpetrators.

The Robbery’s Lasting Impact on Kim Kardashian

In the aftermath of the robbery, Kim drastically altered her approach to public life and security. She pulled back from social media, paused public appearances, and later admitted on Keeping Up with the Kardashians that she suffered from severe anxiety and PTSD.

The traumatic experience also became a turning point in her public persona, pushing her toward a more cautious, private lifestyle and eventually fueling her advocacy work in criminal justice reform.

Hot this week

Margaret Cho Says Ellen DeGeneres Was “Weird and Not Nice”

Margaret Cho is not holding back. In a recent...

Why Jason Momoa’s Lobo Matters So Much in the New Supergirl Movie

Jason Momoa is trading in his trident for a...

Why ‘Bianca Censori Candy’ Is Blowing Up Online

Bianca Censori, Kanye West’s wife, is back in the...

Who Is Laura Clery’s Boyfriend? Here’s What We Know So Far

Laura Clery has been making us laugh for years...

FBI: International Co-Creator Opens Up About Cancellation Before Season 5

Fans of FBI: International got some tough news this...

Topics

Common Family Trip Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you’re looking for a destination with a mix...

Sheinelle Jones Speaks Out After Husband Uche Ojeh’s Death

Today Show host Sheinelle Jones has spoken publicly for...

Understanding Your Financial Priorities

When it comes to managing money, knowing what really...

Related Articles

Popular Categories