A-list celebrity Kim Kardashian is expected to testify in a Paris court on Tuesday, nearly 10 years after she was held at gunpoint and robbed of millions in jewelry during Fashion Week in the French capital.
The long-awaited testimony comes as ten individuals stand trial for their roles in the 2016 robbery, in which assailants stole an estimated $10 million worth of jewelry from the reality TV star and influencer. The high-profile case has drawn intense media attention, with nearly 500 journalists accredited to cover the proceedings at the Paris courthouse on Ile de la Cité.
Kardashian’s French legal team, Leonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattout, confirmed her commitment to appear in person, describing her stance as one of “dignity and courage.” She is scheduled to take the stand at 2:00 p.m. local time and is expected to address the press afterward.
The robbery occurred overnight between October 2 and 3, 2016, when masked men entered Kardashian’s luxury residence, threatened her with a gun, and tied her up before escaping with a cache of jewels—including a $3.9 million diamond ring from then-husband Kanye West. It remains one of the most valuable heists targeting an individual in France in two decades.
Most of the accused are men in their 60s and 70s with long criminal records and colorful underworld nicknames such as “Old Omar” and “Blue Eyes.” One defendant, Aomar Ait Khedache, has admitted to restraining Kardashian but denies orchestrating the heist. Another suspect, Yunice Abbas, later published a book recounting his role and missteps—such as crashing his bike while fleeing with the loot.
The suspects were reportedly tipped off by Gary Madar, brother of Kardashian’s driver, who allegedly alerted the group to her presence in Paris. Madar’s lawyer, however, dismissed the claim, arguing Kardashian’s 350 million social media followers already knew her whereabouts.
Kardashian, 35 at the time of the attack, had considered going out with her sister Kourtney that night but ultimately stayed in. The decision, according to testimony, may have placed her in direct danger. Her bodyguard and driver were away when she tried calling for help and couldn’t be reached. When they returned, they found her “hysterical and crying.”
Kardashian has expressed her gratitude to French authorities for their handling of the case, commending the “respect and consideration” shown throughout the investigation.
Once known primarily for her reality TV fame, Kim Kardashian has since become a global business mogul and social influencer, frequently listed among the world’s most powerful and influential women.
The trial is expected to conclude on May 23.
