Earlier this week, Kim Kardashian returned to the Palais de Justice courtroom in Paris. She gave testimony about the horrible armed robbery that occurred nearly nine years ago in her own hotel room. Accompanied by her mother, Kris Jenner, Kardashian recounted the night when she was held at gunpoint by robbers disguised as police officers. During that time in October 2016, one unlucky incident resulted in the theft of approximately $10 million worth of jewelry and cash. This haul included an engagement ring worth a whopping $4 million.
As Kardashian was grilled during her testimony, her social media activity became the focus of discussion as the court honed in on her Snapchat activity. Just days before the robbery, Kardashian had been posting photos of her absolutely gorgeous diamond engagement ring on social media. Most think this would have drawn very targeted, personal attention to her valuable assets. The judge raised doubts about Kardashian’s posts’ relevance to the incident, which led to a larger discussion about celebrity security measures.
Kardashian called the experience a traumatic event that changed her life and put her in a place of “total fear.” She recalled feeling “totally crazy” when the theft was happening. A “very nervous” man waved a gun inches from her face — instantly raising the stakes and fear level. Her stylist Simone Harouche, testifying, recalled hearing screams of “murder” coming from Kardashian’s room that night.
“I think that moment changed her life forever,” Harouche stated. “I think it changed both of us but I think particularly for her, her loss of freedom – she now has a completely different lifestyle.” In the aftermath of the robbery, Kardashian has stepped up her security. She started paying for bodyguards, chauffeurs and concierge teams on-call 24/7.
The disastrous September incident produced ongoing psychological effects as well for Kardashian. She’s told us how being targeted and threatened in her own home has impacted her mental health. Harouche echoed these sentiments in court, saying, “Being woken up to loud violent noises is not normal and now sounds can trigger me.”
The prosecution focused on Kardashian’s security leading up to the robbery. They interviewed Harouche, asking her if she ever feared for her safety when they were both in Paris for Fashion Week. And surprisingly, Harouche agreed. At that moment, it seemed completely natural and expected for celebrities to document their whereabouts and valuables in such a public way.
At the time it seemed totally normal — not just Kardashian, but many celebrities. In that instant, she was truly liberated. We would have never thought she could be in danger while they were in the hotel room. Harouche stated.
Kardashian would have the table turned on her social media usage during the course of the proceedings. Gary Madar’s attorney seized on one mainly Snapchat story where she expressed that she was home by herself while others were out. This small fact got people wondering whether her public disclosures made her vulnerable without her knowledge.
From the stand, accused robber Aomar Ait Khedache struck a contrite figure, providing testimony that at times brought the court to tears. “I won’t ask for forgiveness; it would be too easy,” he said. Things in my head are jumbled, I don’t know how to articulate. Just understand that whenever there’s a gap I’m willing to jump right into it.”
The loss from the robbery was devastating—not only financially. Though Kardashian only had two children then, she has four now, which brings the experience home. In hindsight, since then, her life has undergone a complete transformation. She walks with security services more and more, indicating her continued fear for her safety.
In court, Harouche underscored the nightmarish result of having one’s personal liberty stripped away. He was unequivocal in stating that this loss is tremendous and tragic. “To lose your sense of freedom is a big thing; it’s horrible,” she remarked.
As Kardashian finished her testimony, Harouche told her that she hoped this process would lead to closure. “I hope that this is really providing some closure,” she said.
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