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Thursday, May 15, 2025
Outside the box.
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
Reality star recounts 2016 armed hotel raid and emotional trauma while confronting former heist leader in court
Kim Kardashian appeared in a Paris courtroom to testify in the ongoing trial of individuals accused of robbing her at gunpoint in 2016. The incident, which occurred during Paris Fashion Week, involved a group of armed men who entered Kardashian's luxury residence and stole valuables estimated at over ten million dollars.
During her testimony, Kardashian recounted the details of the robbery and described the lasting psychological effects.
She stated that the intruders repeatedly demanded her engagement ring, dragged her out of bed, tied her up, and held her at gunpoint.
She recalled fearing for her life and choosing to comply silently.
Kardashian clarified that, while she was physically restrained, the assailants did not harm her physically.
The courtroom heard additional testimony from Simone Harouche Bartr, Kardashian’s stylist, who described the event from an adjoining room.
She detailed how she initially feared Kardashian had been assaulted and shared her experience of panic and confusion during the incident.
Kardashian also addressed Omar Ait Khedache, the alleged ringleader of the robbery, who was present in court.
Khedache had written an apology letter from prison in 2017, which had not previously been shared publicly.
In the letter, he expressed remorse after seeing Kardashian speak about the trauma in a French television interview.
He acknowledged the psychological harm caused to Kardashian and her family.
Reading a portion of the letter in court, Kardashian responded directly to Khedache, stating: "I forgive you.
But it doesn’t change the pain, the trauma, and the way my life has changed."
French courtroom regulations generally prohibit live broadcasting, but the session was attended by approximately forty journalists, with an overflow room provided for two hundred more.
Khedache, previously referred to in French media as "Omar the Elder," reportedly led the gang involved in the robbery.
He was released from custody in April 2020 due to serious health issues, including heart problems.
The trial forms part of broader legal proceedings addressing one of the highest-profile celebrity robberies in recent French history.
Kardashian’s appearance marks her first formal testimony in the case since the robbery occurred.
During her testimony, Kardashian recounted the details of the robbery and described the lasting psychological effects.
She stated that the intruders repeatedly demanded her engagement ring, dragged her out of bed, tied her up, and held her at gunpoint.
She recalled fearing for her life and choosing to comply silently.
Kardashian clarified that, while she was physically restrained, the assailants did not harm her physically.
The courtroom heard additional testimony from Simone Harouche Bartr, Kardashian’s stylist, who described the event from an adjoining room.
She detailed how she initially feared Kardashian had been assaulted and shared her experience of panic and confusion during the incident.
Kardashian also addressed Omar Ait Khedache, the alleged ringleader of the robbery, who was present in court.
Khedache had written an apology letter from prison in 2017, which had not previously been shared publicly.
In the letter, he expressed remorse after seeing Kardashian speak about the trauma in a French television interview.
He acknowledged the psychological harm caused to Kardashian and her family.
Reading a portion of the letter in court, Kardashian responded directly to Khedache, stating: "I forgive you.
But it doesn’t change the pain, the trauma, and the way my life has changed."
French courtroom regulations generally prohibit live broadcasting, but the session was attended by approximately forty journalists, with an overflow room provided for two hundred more.
Khedache, previously referred to in French media as "Omar the Elder," reportedly led the gang involved in the robbery.
He was released from custody in April 2020 due to serious health issues, including heart problems.
The trial forms part of broader legal proceedings addressing one of the highest-profile celebrity robberies in recent French history.
Kardashian’s appearance marks her first formal testimony in the case since the robbery occurred.
