Kim Kardashian has offered a rare glimpse into one of the most traumatic moments of her life as she testified before a Paris criminal court about the 2016 jewellery heist that left her bound, gagged, and fearing for her life. In a powerful and emotional statement delivered in court on Tuesday, Kardashian forgave one of her alleged attackers, marking what she called a moment of personal “closure.”
The BBC reported that Kardashian addressed the court for over three hours, recounting in harrowing detail how two masked gunmen broke into her Paris hotel room during Paris Fashion Week, held a gun to her head, and made off with approximately £10 million ($11.8 million) worth of jewellery, including an engagement ring from her then-husband Kanye West.
“I absolutely did think I was gonna die”
Wearing a black tailored suit and diamond necklace, Kardashian testified before a packed courtroom that she feared she would be raped or killed. The robbers, dressed in police uniforms, entered her suite around 3:00 AM, dragged her concierge along, and forced her into the bathroom after tying her up with zip ties.
“I was sure that’s when they were going to shoot me,” she told the court, adding that she said a silent prayer for her children and her sister, Kourtney Kardashian, who she feared would walk in and find her body. “It was terrifying and life-changing, and I don’t wish that kind of terror on anyone.”
Forgiveness in the Face of Trauma
One of the key moments of the day came when Aomar Ait Khedache, the 71-year-old mastermind of the robbery, expressed remorse and offered Kardashian a letter of apology. Visibly moved, Kardashian turned to him and responded, “I do appreciate it. I forgive you.”
However, she made clear that forgiveness did not erase the trauma: “It doesn’t change the emotion, the feelings and the trauma and the way my life has changed.”
Kardashian’s reaction drew attention to her growing public profile as a criminal justice reform advocate. She has previously supported the Innocence Project and is studying to become a lawyer, which she referenced during her testimony.
Security and Life After the Heist
Kardashian revealed that she no longer feels safe going out alone and now employs multiple security guards around her house. She described how the trauma caused her to develop a “phobia of going out” and made her intensely cautious about personal safety, both at home and in public.
She also expressed anger over another defendant, Yunice Abbas, who pleaded guilty but later published a book titled “I Held Up Kim Kardashian”. “Not only did he do this,” she said, “but now he’s making money off that—my jewellery, my memories.”
Seeking Justice and Closure
While Kardashian accepted Khedache’s apology, she did not acknowledge the presence of other defendants, including her former driver Gary Madar, who is accused of tipping off the burglars. He has denied the charges.
“I wanted to be a part of today because I am a victim in this case and it’s the first time I’m able to really hear from everyone,” she told the court. “This is my closure and my opportunity to put this to rest after everything I’ve been through.”
Legacy of the Attack
Tuesday marked the first time Kardashian spoke in a criminal court about the night that reshaped her life. The 2016 robbery was one of the most high-profile celebrity crimes in recent history and led to sweeping changes in celebrity security standards.
To learn more about how the heist unfolded and what’s changed since then, check out this detailed breakdown by The Guardian.
For readers interested in Kardashian’s legal reform efforts, visit our article on Kim Kardashian’s Advocacy for Justice Reform. You may also like our recent coverage of celebrity trials in 2025, including major developments in high-profile legal battles.
