In a chilling echo of one of the most shocking celebrity crimes in recent history, the long-delayed trial for the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian is finally kicking off in Paris. The proceedings have revealed a snarl of regret, frailty, and unresolved trauma, casting a somber light on an event that once captivated the world.
A Shocking Crime Revisited
On October 3, 2016, during Paris Fashion Week, Kim Kardashian was bound, gagged, and held at gunpoint in her luxury suite at the Hôtel de Pourtalès. The assailants, disguised as police officers, made off with approximately $10 million in jewelry, including a $4 million diamond ring from then-husband Kanye West. The heist, executed by a group dubbed the “grandpa robbers” due to their advanced ages, remains one of France’s most notorious individual thefts in decades.
The Trial Begins Amidst Tragedy
The Parisian trial, which began on April 28, 2025, sees ten defendants facing charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. Notably, one suspect died shortly before the trial commenced, and another has been deemed medically unfit to stand trial. The remaining defendants, aged between 35 and 78, include individuals with extensive criminal histories, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Regrets, He Has A Few
Yunice Abbas, a 71-year-old defendant, has publicly expressed remorse for his role in the crime. Previously unrepentant, Abbas now states, “I regret it, not because I got caught, but because there was a trauma.” In 2021, he co-authored a book with the outrageous title I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian, a title he now claims was imposed by the publisher and misrepresents his involvement. Abbas maintains he only served as a lookout and insists that he didn’t enter Kardashian’s room.
Another defendant, Aomar Ait Khedache, alleged to be the mastermind behind the heist, has also expressed remorse. In a letter to Kardashian, he apologized for the psychological damage caused by the robbery. Despite these expressions of regret, the trauma inflicted on Kardashian remains profound.
Lingering Impacts On Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is scheduled to testify in person on May 13. Her attorney has conveyed her “tremendous appreciation and admiration for the French judicial system,” noting that she has been treated with great respect by the French authorities. Kardashian has previously spoken about the lasting effects of the robbery, describing how it has led her to adopt a demeanor of extreme calmness, which she now suspects might be potentially detrimental.
Although the trial is now underway, Kim is not expected to appear in person when it resumes in mid-May. The case stands as a sobering reminder of the risks that come with fame—and how public life can leave lasting scars in the aftermath of trauma. As the proceedings continue, they not only seek justice for a high-profile victim but also underscore the profound human cost of such crimes.
For ongoing coverage of the trial, refer to The Guardian’s report.
