Almost a decade after the shocking night that changed her life, Kim Kardashian is now preparing to look her alleged attackers in the eye.
The reality TV icon and business mogul is back in Paris, ready to testify in court against the group of aging suspects accused of tying her up and stealing millions in jewels.
It’s a moment she’s been waiting for since that terrifying night in 2016, when her trip to Paris Fashion Week turned into a nightmare.
The Night That Shook Her World
Kim was staying alone in a luxurious Paris hotel apartment when the robbery happened—early morning hours of October 3, 2016.
She was resting in bed when masked men disguised as police stormed in, held her at gunpoint, and tied her up.
They gagged her and locked her in the bathroom while they looted the place for nearly 50 minutes.
The thieves made off with around $10 million worth of jewellery, including a nearly 19-carat diamond engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West.
Only one small item, a diamond-studded cross, was ever recovered.
A Courtroom Buzzing with Global Media
This trial has captured international attention.
Reporters from all over the world began lining up outside the iconic Palais de Justice in Paris from as early as 5 a.m., all hoping to get a glimpse of the courtroom showdown.
Due to limited seating, a second room was opened up so journalists could follow via video feed.
Kim’s much-anticipated testimony is expected later today, but first, the court will hear from her longtime stylist and friend, Simone Harouche, who was also in the hotel that night.
Who Are the ‘Grandpa Gang’?
The group of suspects has earned the nickname “the grandpa gang” in the French press—mostly because many of them are now in their 60s and 70s, some battling serious health issues like Alzheimer’s.
Out of the original 12 charged, only 10 are now facing trial.
One has passed away, and another has been declared unfit to stand trial.
These suspects face serious charges like armed robbery, gang activity, and kidnapping.
While most of the group deny being involved, two men—Aomar Ait Khedache and Yunice Abbas—have admitted to participating.
The others are accused of roles ranging from planning the heist to selling off the stolen goods.
How Police Pieced It All Together
It wasn’t just luck that led to the arrests.
French investigators used surveillance footage, phone taps, and even DNA found on the zip ties used to bind Kim.
That DNA linked straight back to one of the key suspects.
The robbers, according to police, planned the job with precision—using burner phones that they activated just before the robbery and ditched right after.
What Was Taken in the Heist?
The robbers didn’t just grab a few flashy pieces.
They stole a haul that included Cartier bracelets, a Rolex watch, and three gold-and-diamond mouth grills.
But the most talked-about item? Kim’s massive engagement ring, reportedly worth nearly $4 million.
It was a bold, coordinated raid described as the “heist of the century” by the French press.
And it left Kardashian deeply traumatized.
From Fear to Strength
In the years since, Kim has opened up about the emotional toll.
She once said she feared she wouldn’t make it out alive.
The ordeal left her anxious, especially about being alone, and drastically changed how she approaches security and public appearances.
But now, nearly nine years later, she’s ready to take the stand and finally confront the people who shattered her sense of safety.
When Will Kim Speak?
Kim is expected to testify in the courtroom later this afternoon.
Before she does, her stylist Simone will recount what she experienced that night.
Harouche had locked herself in a bathroom on another floor and contacted Kim’s bodyguard, who was out with Kim’s sisters at the time.
The World Watches as Justice Unfolds
This case has taken years to reach trial, delayed by COVID and France’s focus on major terror cases.
But today marks a critical turning point in Kim Kardashian’s journey from victim to voice.
With the world watching, she’s stepping into the courtroom not just as a celebrity, but as a woman seeking closure—and justice.