Kim Kardashian is slated to appear in a Paris court today as a witness in a burglary case that dates back to 2016, during which she famously faced a harrowing ordeal involving theft and personal risk. The 44-year-old reality television star and entrepreneur is expected to testify this afternoon about the terrifying moments when armed thieves broke into her luxurious hotel suite during Paris Fashion Week, stealing significant amounts of jewelry valued at millions of dollars, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring from her then-husband, Kanye West.
The ongoing trial, which commenced last month, involves 10 individuals accused of being part of the robbery. Witness accounts have painted a vivid and distressing picture of the event. Abderrahmane Ouatiki, a night receptionist at the Hotel de Pourtalès, testified on Monday, describing Kardashian as being "completely hysterical" as a gunman threatened her. Ouatiki, who was forced to act as an interpreter for the robbers, shared his own feelings of fear during the incident as the situation escalated with the burglars’ aggressive behavior.
During the heist, Kardashian was bound and had her mouth taped shut while her assailants demanded valuables. At least three men were stationed at the hotel reception, while two others invaded Kardashian's suite, ultimately taking $9 million worth of jewelry before fleeing the scene. Although the police arrested the suspects months later, the stolen items have never been recovered and are believed to have been dismantled and sold.
Dubbed "the grandpa robbers" due to their advanced age, many of the accused are reportedly in their 70s and facing serious health issues, including cancer treatments and mobility challenges. The alleged mastermind, Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, communicated through written statements due to his hearing difficulties during court proceedings, prompting the lead investigator to emphasize the group's operational proficiency despite their frail appearances.
Over the course of the trial, Kardashian's testimony promises to reshape public perception, moving her from a victim narrative to one of empowerment. Reflections on the incident in past interviews revealed her fears during the robbery, where she considered the possibility of sexual assault, all while worrying about her sister’s safety.
As Kardashian prepares to recount her experience, the trial continues to unfold with significant media traction, drawing nearly 500 accredited journalists. With her testimony scheduled to bring a fresh chapter to this drawn-out saga, celebrity expert Jeetendr Sehdev remarked, “In 2016, she was the punchline. But in 2025, testifying is going to turn her into the narrator.”
