Kim Kardashian is set to take the stand in a Parisian court today, reliving the harrowing experience of being held up at gunpoint during a burglary in 2016. The reality TV star and businesswoman, 44, is expected to recount the events of that fateful night when she was tied up and robbed of millions of dollars' worth of jewelry, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring from her then-husband Kanye West.
The trial, which began last month, is centered around the alleged involvement of ten individuals in the burglary. On Monday, witness Abderrahmane Ouatiki, the night receptionist who was forced to translate the burglars' demands, described Kardashian as "completely hysterical" and "in a state of complete terror" as a "very nervous" man pointed a gun at her. Ouatiki himself had feared for his life as the burglar acted erratically, clearly irritated by Kardashian's screaming.
The burglary, which took place during Paris Fashion Week, saw three individuals keep watch in the reception area of the exclusive Hotel de Pourtalès while two others forced Ouatiki to take them to Kardashian's suite. The men demanded that she hand over the ring and stole other jewels, totaling $9 million. The stolen items were never found, but police believe they were broken up and sold on the black market.
The defendants, who have been dubbed the "grandpa robbers" by French media due to their ages, ranging from 56 to 73, have been dealing with a range of health issues. Several have serious medical conditions, including one undergoing chemotherapy and another with visible tremors. The alleged ringleader, Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, is deaf and mute and was questioned last week using a pen and paper to write his answers, which were projected onto a screen.
Kardashian's testimony is expected to be a key part of the trial, providing a firsthand account of the events that unfolded on that night. With the case nearing its conclusion, the world waits with bated breath to see what will become of the defendants and whether justice will be served for the reality star and entrepreneur.