Paris, France — The harrowing experience of Kim Kardashian during a 2016 armed robbery was brought to light in a Paris court as her long-time friend and stylist, Simone Harouche, recounted the traumatic events that unfolded. Harouche described the moments when robbers broke into their luxury hotel, tying up Kardashian and stealing millions in jewelry, an incident that left both women deeply scarred.
Harouche testified that she was abruptly awakened by Kardashian’s terrified screams in the early hours of that fateful night. Describing the chilling sound as one she had never heard from her friend, Harouche expressed her horror at the situation. “It was pure terror. She kept repeating, ‘I have babies and I need to live. Take everything – I need to live,’” she said. Her emotional testimony detailed the stark fear that gripped her as she feared for both their lives.
While hiding in the bathroom, Harouche attempted to alert authorities amid the chaos. She expressed overwhelming concern not only for Kardashian’s safety but also for her own—fearing she might be the next target. “I was terrified they were coming for me next. I thought the worst,” she added, visibly shaken as she recounted the distressing situation.
As Harouche spoke, she described Kardashian’s desperate attempts to find her after the robbers left with an estimated $10 million worth of stolen goods, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring belonging to her ex-husband, Kanye West. “To see Kim, with her ankles taped and in a light robe, was heartbreaking,” Harouche remarked. “She was in a state of shock, screaming that we needed to escape.”
Both women faced the aftermath of the traumatic experience, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Harouche noted that Kardashian’s sense of personal freedom was irrevocably altered. “She was so carefree before this. We never thought being in our hotel would jeopardize our safety,” she explained, adding that Kardashian sought therapy extensively following the incident.
In her testimony, Harouche also pushed back against the notion that Kardashian’s public persona contributed to the crime. “Wearing jewelry doesn’t make someone a target. That’s akin to saying a woman in a short skirt deserves to be assaulted,” Harouche asserted. Her comments underscored a broader discussion about how society often blames victims based on their appearances or lifestyles.
The ongoing trial involves a group of suspects, including some dubbed the “grandpa robbers” by local media. These individuals are accused of robbing Kardashian while she attended Paris Fashion Week in 2016. With ages ranging from 35 to 78, the ten defendants face various charges, with some denying any involvement in the brazen heist.
Kardashian is expected to attend the trial herself, ready to confront the individuals who attacked her, according to her legal team. Her lawyers stated that she would approach this moment with both dignity and courage, demonstrating her commitment to seeking justice.
As the trial unfolds, the impact of that night lingers not only for Kardashian but for all those who witnessed her trauma and the complex realities surrounding celebrity culture and safety. The discussion about victimization and accountability continues to resonate, drawing attention to the ongoing challenges faced by those in the public eye.