Kim Kardashian is scheduled to appear in a Paris courtroom today as a witness in connection with the high-profile armed robbery she endured in 2016. The incident, which took place during Paris Fashion Week, involved the theft of nearly $9 million in jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West.

The 44-year-old media personality and entrepreneur is expected to testify this afternoon, recounting the traumatic events that unfolded when she was bound and held at gunpoint in her luxury suite at the Hôtel de Pourtalès. The trial, which began last month, involves ten defendants, several of whom are elderly and in poor health, earning them the nickname “the grandpa gang” in French media.

During testimony on Monday, night receptionist Abderrahmane Ouatiki described the terror of that night. He stated that he was forced by the intruders to accompany them to Kardashian’s room and act as a translator for their demands. According to Ouatiki, Kardashian was visibly distraught and hysterical as one of the assailants—whom he described as agitated and dangerous—brandished a firearm at her.

Three suspects reportedly stood watch in the hotel lobby while two others, accompanied by Ouatiki, entered Kardashian’s suite. They demanded her ring and took additional jewelry, along with a mobile phone and €1,000 in cash. The items were never recovered and are believed to have been dismantled and sold on the black market.

Police arrested several suspects three months later. Although twelve individuals were initially set to face trial, one passed away in March and another was excused for medical reasons. Of the ten still standing trial, only two have admitted any involvement.

Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, identified by authorities as the alleged mastermind, was questioned last week. Due to his inability to hear or speak, he responded to questions in writing, with his answers projected for the court.

French authorities have challenged the portrayal of the suspects as clumsy or inept. The lead investigator from the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme emphasized the calculated nature of the crime, citing the use of burner phones, zip ties, and a strategically parked getaway vehicle. “They pulled it off,” he said, referring to the successful fencing of the $4 million ring in Antwerp.

Ouatiki, who was a doctoral student at the time, testified that he had tried to de-escalate the situation despite fearing for his own life. He refrained from detailing certain aspects of the incident, citing respect for Kardashian. However, the court heard that Kardashian was wearing only a bathrobe, which became undone when she was restrained.

In a 2020 interview with David Letterman, Kardashian spoke emotionally about believing she might be sexually assaulted or killed during the robbery. She also expressed deep concern for her sister Kourtney, who was not at the scene but could have been traumatized had she discovered the aftermath.

Following the robbery, Kardashian managed to free herself and was quickly met by her bodyguard. She gave a police statement in the early hours of October 3, 2016, before returning to the United States.

Ouatiki has since spoken publicly about the toll the incident took on him personally. He said media speculation about his possible involvement led to the loss of his student status and forced him to return to Algeria, where he was later diagnosed with PTSD.

On Tuesday, Simone Bretter, Kardashian’s stylist and friend who was staying on a different floor of the suite, is expected to testify. Nearly 500 journalists have registered to cover the proceedings, highlighting the widespread public interest.

Celebrity expert Jeetendr Sehdev remarked that Kardashian’s testimony could mark a turning point in how the event is remembered. “In 2016, she was the punchline. In 2025, she becomes the narrator,” he told the BBC.