Introduction
Kim Kardashian’s harrowing 2016 robbery in a Paris hotel has returned to the spotlight as the reality TV star and business mogul takes the stand in a French courtroom in 2025. The trial has gripped global audiences as Kardashian recounts one of the most traumatic experiences of her life. With ten defendants in court — many dubbed the “grandpa robbers” — here are the top five most shocking revelations from the ongoing proceedings.
1. Kim Kardashian Was Held at Gunpoint and Feared Sexual Assault
Kardashian, 44, described being tied up and threatened at gunpoint during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. According to witness Abderrahmane Ouatiki, the hotel receptionist forced to accompany the burglars, Kardashian was “completely hysterical” and feared for her life. In previous interviews, she recounted thinking, “Okay, this is the time I’m going to get raped.”
2. $9 Million in Jewelry Was Stolen — Including a $4M Engagement Ring
The burglars made off with over $9 million worth of jewels, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West. The high-profile theft was meticulously planned, with robbers using burner phones and parking discreetly near the Hotel de Pourtalès. French investigators later said the goods were likely broken down and sold in Antwerp. Read more on the investigation at The New York Times.
3. The Burglars Are Elderly — But Not Incompetent
Despite the light-hearted nickname “grandpa robbers” given by French media, prosecutors emphasized that the gang executed a well-planned operation. Many of the accused are in their 60s and 70s, with visible health issues — one is undergoing chemotherapy, and another has severe tremors. Yet, the police say the group skillfully disposed of high-value stolen goods and evaded capture for months. The BBC provides further details on the suspects.
4. Witness Ouatiki Was Forced to Translate Robbers’ Demands
PhD student Abderrahmane Ouatiki, who worked as a night receptionist, testified that he was coerced into guiding the burglars to Kardashian’s room and acting as an interpreter. He recalled one robber being aggressive and irritable, pointing a gun at Kardashian as she screamed. Ouatiki said he feared both for her life and his own, and still suffers from PTSD after being suspected as an accomplice. The Independent reports on Ouatiki’s struggles post-theft.
5. Kardashian’s Testimony Marks a Turning Point
Kim Kardashian’s 2025 testimony is widely seen as her reclaiming control of the narrative. “In 2016 she was the punchline. But in 2025, testifying is going to turn her into the narrator,” said Jeetendr Sehdev, author of The Kim Kardashian Principle. The trial is not just about justice but also about reshaping public memory of the traumatic event. Listen to NPR’s coverage of Kardashian’s testimony.
On Tuesday morning, Simone Bretter, Kardashian’s friend and stylist, will take the stand. She was staying in the same suite during the heist but was on a different floor and hid when she realised burglars had broken in.
Almost 500 journalists are accredited and Kardashian’s testimony is set to attract huge media attention.
“Testifying will allow her to reclaim agency in this situation and rewrite the ending,” said Jeetendr Sehdev, celebrity expert and the author of The Kim Kardashian Principle.
“In 2016 she was the punchline. But in 2025 testifying is going to turn her into the narrator,” he told
Conclusion
Kim Kardashian’s return to Paris to face the people accused of terrorizing her has reopened painful memories and shone new light on the 2016 heist. As the trial continues, Kardashian’s courage and composure in court are being widely praised. With nearly 500 accredited journalists covering the proceedings, the world is watching as one of the most notorious celebrity crimes of the decade plays out in court.
Also Read: Top 5 Revelations from Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial
