Reality TV star and business mogul Kim Kardashian is preparing to appear in court on May 13 to give testimony against the group involved in the notorious £8.5 million jewellery heist that took place in Paris back in October 2016. The highly anticipated testimony will be part of an ongoing trial that officially commenced on April 28.
Kardashian, who was the victim of what has been described as France’s most high-profile robbery in a decade, will personally attend the trial. Her legal team, French attorneys Leonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattout, confirmed to AFP that Kim is determined to confront the accused in court. “She is committed to attending in person the trial and to confronting those who attacked her,” the lawyers said. “She will do so with dignity and courage.”
Though the lawyers refrained from disclosing the contents of Kardashian’s upcoming testimony, they emphasized her desire to speak directly to the court. “We want to give everyone the opportunity to hear her testimony in her own words, so we won’t be commenting on the substance of what she will say,” the attorneys added.
The legal team also noted that Kim Kardashian has remained thankful for the professionalism shown by French authorities throughout the investigation. They praised the thoroughness of the probe that led to the identification and capture of the suspects now facing charges. “Throughout the process, the utmost respect and consideration has been given for Ms. Kardashian,” they said.
The traumatic incident took place while Kim was alone in her Paris penthouse during Fashion Week. Two men, disguised as police officers, gained entry, held her at gunpoint, tied her up, and made off with high-value jewellery — including her 18.88-carat diamond engagement ring — in a 49-minute ordeal. The gang fled France via private jet shortly afterward.
The robbers, often referred to as the “Grandpa Robbers” due to their age, include ‘Old Omar,’ believed to be the mastermind, and his accomplice Yunice Abbas. At the time of the heist, Kardashian was still married to rapper Kanye West and starring in her hit reality show.
Kim Kardashian’s testimony is expected to be a pivotal moment in the trial.