Kim Kardashian gives evidence in French armed robbery trial

by Mick the Ram

The much-publicised burglary that saw Kim Kardashian held at gunpoint in her luxury suit of a central Paris hotel has seen the television personality, businesswoman, and model, take the stand to give her evidence.

The robbery took place in October 2016 and has taken nearly nine years to come to court, with the trial finally getting under way in late April.

The 44 year old was understandably nervous as she relived her terrifying ordeal, in which around $10m worth of jewellery was stolen, including a $4m diamond engagement ring given to her by former husband, Kanye West.

The accused gang have been christened the “grandpa robbers” due to their ages, with several in the seventies; indeed of the 12 expected defendants, one has died and another has been excused appearing due to dementia.

The jewels were never recovered, with police believing that they were cut up and moved to order. 

Ms Kardashian was in the city for Paris Fashion Week and was staying at one of the top hotels in Paris, where a minimum six-night stay has to be booked, with the cheapest rate coming in at €1,600 per night. 

Additionally, not just anybody can book in, there is an insistence for guests to be either rich, famous, or referred by other celebrities.

Arrested 3 months later

The raid was well-planned, with three people keeping watch at the Hotel de Pourtalès, while two other men forced the receptionist to take them to Ms Kardashian’s suite. 

Although they escaped with almost $10m in stolen jewels the gang were arrested three months later, alongside several other people believed be accessories to the crime.

Ring targetted

The lead investigator of the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (Banditry Repression Brigade) special unit said it is understood that the $4m ring, which the robbers had specifically targetted, had made its way to Antwerp where it disappeared, presumed broken up and sold on.

Necklaces, earrings and a Rolex watch were also taken and many have pointed to the fact that Ms Kardashian had been showing off the ring in particular, just days before on her Instagram account, which has millions of followers. 

Looking extremely nervous

Kim Kardashian looked incredibly nervous walking up to the stand to begin giving her evidence.

She started by explaining that she had come to the French capital for Fashion Week, and made the point that she had always previously felt safe in the city, even taking herself for walks at 4am sometimes.

Confusion then terror

On the night of the robbery she said she was busy packing, whilst her mother and sister had gone out for the night. At around 3am she said she was about to retire to her bed when she heard noises on the stairs and called out for her sister, but nobody replied.

Then suddenly two people came into her bedroom, who she initially believed were police officers.

She describes how she was confused and in shock, meaning that it took a while to realise it was in fact a robbery.

She spoke of her terror at seeing one of the men had a gun and recalled being thrown onto the bed and her hands bound together with zip-ties.

Fear of rape then death

Her voice shaking, Ms Kardashian then told the court how she was wearing a robe, which opened to expose her naked body and said she was certain at that point that she was about to be raped.

“I say a prayer to mentally prepare myself,” she admitted; but instead her legs were tied together and she then believed in her words: “I absolutely did think I was gonna die.”

Escape plan

The men appeared to leave in a rush and she remembered waiting a few minutes, fearing they might come back. 

She then managed to free herself, although her ankles were still tied together and got herself down to where her stylist was, who then helped her get the remaining zip ties off. 

She even said that the two of them contemplated leaping from the window if the men did come back. Luckily, her security and sister, Kourtney, arrived soon after, followed by the police.

Life changed forever

The effects of that night have been life-changing, with Ms Kardashian telling the court that she started to get a “phobia of going out”, because she thought people would “see me out and know my home was empty”. 

It means, she said, “I can’t even sleep at night if I know there’s not multiple security guards around”.

Two already admit crime

Amongst the defendants were 71-year-old Yunice Abbas, who has already admitted to his role in the robbery, and had expressed regret over the heist.

Also part of the gang was Aomar Ait Khedache, who is 68 and has also admitted his part in the crime. He is actually deaf and mute, so will be answering any question put to him in writing, which will then be projected onto a screen. 

Marc Boyer, 78, is accused of obtaining the gun and 35-year-old Gary Madar, is accused of feeding information on Kardashian’s movements to the gang.

Heartfelt letter

The judge announced that Aomar Ait Khedache wrote to Ms Kardashian when he was arrested back in 2017, which the star said she was unaware of. 

The judge proceeded to read it out: “Madame, after seeing you in a French TV show and seeing your emotion and realising what psychological harm I did to you, that I decided to write to you. Not with the aim of getting forgiveness… I want to tell you human to human how I regret my actions and how I was touched to see you cry.

“I am sorry for the pain I caused you, your husband, you children and those who love you. Of course you can’t undo the past but I hope this letter will help you forget the trauma you endured because of me.”

Forgiveness

It had an effect on Ms Kardashian, who although initially unable to look at the defendant, began to cry. 

The court president asked her if she has anything to say to him, to which she responded: “I am obviously emotional about it – this experience changed my life, my family’s life.

“I do appreciate the letter for sure; I forgive you; but it doesn’t change the emotion, the feelings and the trauma and the way my life has changed.”

Emotional recollections

After several hours at the stand, Kim Kardashian looked tired and broken after her afternoon in the courtroom. It was understandably emotional for her having to relive the traumatic events of that night in uncomfortable detail. 

Nevertheless, she kept her composure and hopefully will have taken a big step towards closure.

The trial is due to end later this month.