Kim Kardashian’s stylist, Simone Harouche, took the stand in court to recount the harrowing night when the reality star was a victim of a $10 million jewelry heist in a Paris hotel suite back in 2016. The incident, known as the “grandpa robbers case,” involved 10 defendants facing charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy, with eight of them denying any involvement in the Paris Fashion Week crime. Among the stolen items was Kardashian’s $4 million diamond engagement ring from her then-husband Kanye West.
According to reports from the BBC, Harouche described being awoken by the sounds of terror coming from Kardashian, who had been bound and gagged. The stylist shared that Kardashian pleaded, “I have babies and I need to live, take everything, I need to live.” The fear in Kardashian’s voice was palpable, with Harouche fearing for her friend’s safety and well-being.
As Harouche recounted the events of that traumatic night, she mentioned how Kardashian was in a state of shock and desperation, even suggesting jumping out of a window to escape. It wasn’t until Kardashian’s bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, returned to the hotel that some sense of security was restored.
During her testimony, Harouche was asked about Kardashian’s social media presence and whether sharing details about her lavish lifestyle made her a target. Harouche vehemently disagreed, stating that a woman’s choice to wear jewelry should not make her vulnerable to such crimes. She likened the notion to victim-blaming, emphasizing that no one deserves to be targeted based on what they choose to wear.
The robbery not only impacted Kardashian but also left a lasting impact on Harouche. She revealed that the experience had triggered PTSD for her, leading to a career change and a heightened sense of fear from loud noises. The loss of freedom and sense of security that both women experienced that night continues to affect them to this day.
As the trial progresses, Kardashian is expected to testify in court, providing her own perspective on the traumatic events that unfolded in that Paris hotel suite. The trial serves as a reminder of the consequences of such violent crimes and the lasting effects they can have on both the victims and those close to them.
