Kim Kardashian has spoken out after eight individuals were found guilty in the trial over her 2016 Paris robbery, saying the incident was the ‘most terrifying experience’ of her life
After taking the stand at a trial in Paris, where the armed robbers who burst into her Paris hotel room and held her at gunpoint in October 2016 were found guilty, Kim Kardashian has spoken out.
The ordeal took place almost ten years ago, with robbers making off with jewels from Kim’s hotel room, but the legal proceedings only just wrapped up on May 23. Millions worth of jewelry was stolen, including a $4.5 million engagement ring given by her then-husband Kanye West, as she faced the threat of a gunpoint robbery.
Ten people went on trial in the French capital for their involvement in the robbery and faced charges including armed robbery and kidnapping in an organised gang. During the terrifying incident, Kim, who was in Paris for Fashion Week, was tied up and held at gunpoint by the men.
A six-member jury, led by three judges, came to a verdict today in Paris. They found the ringleader and seven others guilty, with two of the 10 defendants acquitted.
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She expressed her gratitude to French law enforcement to NBC News: “I am deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case. The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system.”
Reflecting on the harrowing event, Kim divulged that she feared for her life so much that she became numb to the fact they wanted her jewelry and told them to take it. “So, I said a prayer for my family and my mom and my sister and best friend,” she disclosed.
Of those involved, eight were found culpable, although two were cleared of allegations connected to organizing and performing the heist. Aomar Ait Kedach, identified as the ringleader, was charged with armed theft and kidnapping leading to involuntary detention, reports the Mirror US.
Kim Kardashian gave a heartfelt testimony at the trial on May 13, sharing with the court: “I came to Paris for Fashion Week, and Paris is always a place that I love so much, but when I came for Fashion Week during that trip, it changed everything.”
Her legal team, Michael Rhodes, Léonor Hennerick, and Jonathan Mattou, released a joint statement expressing gratitude, “Kim appreciates the Court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process.”
They included in their message the impact this event has had on Kim’s advocacy efforts: “She looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves.”
This news comes in the wake of another legal triumph for Kim. The owner of SKIMS reached a milestone by completing her law apprenticeship, making her eligible to sit the bar exam in the USA. Kim took to Instagram to celebrate this accomplishment, donning a cap and gown for a mock graduation captured on her story.
Jessica Jackson, who mentored Kim, praised her commitment to the programme, saying: “Six years ago, Kim Kardashian walked into this programme with nothing but a fierce desire to fight for justice. No law school lectures, no ivory tower shortcuts, just determination. And a mountain of case law books to read.”
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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