Kim Kardashian emotionally testified in the Paris robbery trial, forgiving one of the “grandpa robbers” who apologized for the 2016 attack where she feared rape and death.
Kim Kardashian Heist Trial: Star Gets Apology in Court From Alleged Robber Over 2016 Attack
In a dramatic courtroom moment, Kim Kardashian faced the men accused of robbing her at gunpoint in Paris in 2016—and forgave one who offered a tearful apology. The reality star, now 44, delivered chilling testimony about the night she feared she would be “raped and murdered” before the thieves made off with nearly $10 million in jewelry, including her 20-carat diamond engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West 17.
“I Absolutely Thought I Was Going to Die”
Kardashian recounted the harrowing ordeal in vivid detail during her four-hour testimony at Paris’ Palais de Justice. She described being alone in her luxury suite at the Hôtel de Pourtalès when masked men, dressed as police officers, stormed in around 3 a.m.
“I was certain that was the moment he was going to rape me,” she said, recalling how one assailant pulled her toward him while she was in a bathrobe. “I absolutely did think I was going to die.” 211.
The robbers—later dubbed the “grandpa robbers” due to their ages (ranging from 35 to 78 at the time)—tied her up with zip ties and duct tape before fleeing with her jewels. Kardashian revealed she prayed for her sister Kourtney, fearing she would return to find her “shot dead” in the room 47.
A Robber’s Apology—and Kardashian’s Forgiveness
One of the two defendants who admitted involvement, 69-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache (known as “Old Omar”), had written an apology letter to Kardashian in 2017. In court, his lawyer read the emotional note:
“I want to reach out to you as a human being to tell you how much I regret my actions… I hope this letter will help you forget the trauma you endured because of me.” 13.
Kardashian, who has advocated for prison reform and is studying to become a lawyer, responded with grace:
“I forgive you for what has taken place, but it doesn’t change the emotion and the trauma… my life is forever changed.” 713.
Another defendant, Yunice Abbas (71), also apologized, though Kardashian expressed shock that he later profited from the crime by writing a book titled “I Held Up Kim Kardashian” 69.
Social Media Reactions & Video Coverage
The trial has captivated global audiences, with clips of Kardashian’s testimony going viral.
📹 Watch her emotional court appearance here: E! News Video Coverage 12.
Fans on X (Twitter) praised her composure, with one user writing:
“Kim’s strength in that courtroom is unreal. To face the men who terrorized her and still show empathy? Legendary.”
Others criticized the media’s focus on the robbers’ ages, with Kardashian herself noting:
“When this happened, they were obviously a lot younger and stronger.” 9.
The Aftermath: Security Overhaul & Lingering Trauma
Since the robbery, Kardashian has drastically changed her lifestyle:
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No more real-time social media posts (she believes her frequent updates helped the thieves track her) 4.
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24/7 security, including guards at her home and hotels 11.
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Therapy to cope with PTSD, including panic attacks when hearing footsteps on stairs 7.
The trial continues until May 23, with a verdict expected soon. For now, Kardashian’s testimony stands as a powerful moment of closure—and a stark reminder of the night that reshaped her life forever.
What’s Next?
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Follow for updates on the trial’s verdict.
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Dive deeper into the “grandpa robbers” case with Vanity Fair’s full report 5.
Sources: The Guardian, CBS News, NBC News, BBC, Vanity Fair, E! News, Washington Post.