reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian arrives at a Paris courthouse on Tuesday and faces a so-called “grandpa robbery” accused of stolen violently in the French capital nearly a decade ago.
Kardashian is expected to explain how she was monkeyed, tied up with tape and zip ties and taken by muzzle at a residence she rented during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016.
In a previous interview, the 44-year-old Kardashian, who dressed police officers and blew the trauma he suffered while wearing a balaclava, exploded into his property and stole valuables, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring.
But her appearance in court on Tuesday marks the only time she is expected to stand up and face those accused of stealing her.
From dawn, many journalists and curious spectators hope to get a glimpse of Kardashian. French law does not allow cameras in court.
The court hit the action ahead of Kardashian's appearance as the teenagers took selfies in the marble corridors and the camera crew shook and enjoyed the best views.
Theo Chubuki, an 18-year-old fashion student, said he was the first time he had attended a criminal trial and wanted to meet Kardashian in a “serious” real-life environment without the glossy veneer on social media and reality TV.
“It's symbolic to see Kim Kardashian at a trial in Paris,” he said.
Several of the defendants in the trial (9 men and one woman) are in their 60s and 70s, and have been described as career criminals by prosecutors.
Some have been charged with armed robbery with organized gangs, tricks and other charges. Others are accused of accomplice or less fees. The trial, which will be decided by three judges and six ju members, is set to last until the end of May.
Most of the accused have denied involvement in the robbery. At the time, the stolen gem was estimated to be worth at least 8 million euros or more than $9 million.
“I think that moment changed her life forever,” Simone Harrowch, a friend of Kardashian, who was her fashion stylist at the time, told the court on Tuesday.
Harouche testified that Kardashian upgraded his private safety after the robbery and changed her habits on social media, which has hundreds of millions of followers. Prosecutors believe the burglars targeted Kardashian.
“She posts aren't real-time anymore,” Harouch said.
Harouchi remembers that night, the only other person in the residence on the reality TV star, falling asleep in the evening until she woke up to the surprise of Kardashian, who screamed for life.
“It was a sound I had never heard from Kim. It was terrifying,” Harouchi said. She recalled how the distraught celebrities went down the stairs and their ankles were tied up with tape after the thief left.
“She was by her side,” added Harrowch. “I've never seen her like this.”
Investigators discovered the DNA on the tape and found the zip tie that was used to join Kardashian's hands and feet, and police arrested several suspects after three months of eavesdropping and surveillance.
