Kim Kardashian feared she was going to die during Paris heist – and tells robber she forgives him
Kim Kardashian has told a court she feared she would be raped and killed during an armed robbery in Paris nearly 10 years ago.
The 44-year-old was tearful as she told the judge: “I was certain he was going to rape me.”
“I absolutely did think I was going to die,” she added.
“I said a prayer for my family, and for my sister who would walk in [and find me] and that they would have an OK life after what they saw.”
Kardashian told the court how one of the robbers pulled her across the bed, exposing her naked body under her hotel robe as he tied her up.
In a bizarre turn of events in the courtroom, three of the defendants offered messages to Kardashian – two in person and one via a written note. Kardashian had no knowledge of the letter until it was read in court and she tearfully said she forgave one of the robbers.
The men are accused of robbing her at gunpoint in a hotel in October 2016.
Kardashian arrived at court to confront the alleged robbers earlier in the day.
Kim Kardashian waves as she arrives at court. Pic: AP
Wearing a black skirt suit, sunglasses, and with her hair pulled back into a chignon, Kardashian walked up the steps accompanied by her mother Kris and a large entourage.
She began by telling the court of her love for Paris, calling it a “magical place,” before becoming tearful when describing the robbery, and talking of her “confusion” when two men entered her room dressed as police officers, accompanied by the handcuffed concierge.
“I had fallen asleep naked with a robe on, I was flustered,” she told the court.
‘From fatherly to aggressive’
Describing the man who tied her up, who she says was “smaller and stockier” than the second man with the gun, Kardashian said: “I feel like because the guy who tied me up could see how frantic I was, at that moment he felt like a father… It felt like he wanted me to know that I’d be OK if I just shut up.”
She tells the court: “I kept telling them I have babies and I need to get home to my babies.”
But, after the men began arguing in French, the previously “fatherly” man went from saying she’d be OK, “to aggressively grabbing my naked body”.
Asked by the judge if she was hit at any point, Kardashian said: “No, I was not hit. I was picked up and dragged and dropped on the hard floor, but I was not hit.” She later confirms she was dragged by her arms, with both her ankles and wrists bound together, and with a gun held towards her neck.
Police say the men escaped on bicycles, with around $9m of jewellery, including a $4m engagement ring from Kardashian’s then-husband Kanye West. Most of the jewellery was never recovered.
‘Your forgiveness is the sun – I’ll be forever grateful’
During her evidence, the judge read a statement to Kardashian written by one of the defendants, Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, nicknamed “Old Omar” – in which he said he “regretted” his actions and had been touched by his conscience. He has so far communicated in court only via handwritten notes, saying he’s too unwell to talk.
He’s previously admitted to participating in the heist but denies the prosecution’s accusation that he was the ringleader.
When asked by the judge if she had a response, Kardashian said: “I’m obviously emotional about it, this experience changed my life and it changed my family’s life”.
Currently in training to be a lawyer, and a vocal criminal justice reform advocate, she said: “I have always believed in second chances… I try to have empathy always.”
She went on: “I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you for what has taken place, but it doesn’t change the emotion and the feelings and the trauma the way my life is forever changed.” She thanked him for his letter.
Ait Khedache’s lawyer shared his response to Kardashian’s words, saying: “This forgiveness is a sun that comes to illuminate me, thank you.” He added, I’ll be grateful to you forever”.
The judge then spoke to two defendants in the courtroom, starting with Yunice Abbas, 71, who has previously admitted his part in the heist.
Abbas stood and spoke directly to Kardashian, his right hand shaking from Parkinson’s as he talked, asking for “forgiveness” and saying he too had “regret” for what he did.
In 2021, Abbas wrote a book titled I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian, but the court has ruled he would not financially benefit from its sale.
A third defendant, Didier Dubreucq, 69, dubbed “blue eyes” by French press, also briefly spoke and offered a few contrite words, saying, “I am very sorry about what happened to you”, adding, ” I empathise with your pain”.
‘A sound I had never heard – terror’
Earlier on Tuesday, in Paris’s central criminal court, Kardashian’s stylist Simone Harouche described the moment she was woken by the US star’s screams of terror and feared she had been “raped or violated”.
Ms Harouche, 45, who says she has worked for Kardashian for many years and has been friends with her since she was 12, told the court she was woken by “a sound I had never heard from Kim… It was terror”.
Sleeping in a separate apartment, on the next floor down from Kardashian’s, she went on: “What I heard specifically was [Kim saying], ‘I have babies and I need to live – that is what she kept saying… Take everything. I need to live'”.
She told the judge: “When I realised something terrible was going on upstairs and I realised it was not friends [in Kim’s room], I started looking for my telephone and I started looking for something to help save mine and Kim’s life.”
Simone Harouche pictured last year. Pic: Virisa Yong/BFA.com/Shutterstock
She went on to lock herself in her bathroom and hide in her shower, where she called Kardashian’s sister Kourtney and texted her security guard, Pascal Duvier, telling them, “Something is very wrong… Kim is upstairs with men and we need help.”
She says minutes later, Kardashian “hopped” into her room, explaining: “To see my friend with her feet taped and a very light robe with nothing under, and all messed up and pulled, I thought she could have been raped or very violated.”
She said she removed the tape from Kardashian’s feet, and her friend was “beside herself”, adding, “I’ve never seen her like that before. She was screaming, ‘We need to get out, what do we do if they come back? We need to jump from the first floor, we need to get out'”.
Later, when questioned by the lawyer of one of the defendants on why she did not come out of the bathroom, she said: “I’m the kind of person to hide, [Kardashian’s] the kind of person to take care of other people.”
‘Just because a woman wears jewellery, doesn’t make her a target’
When asked by the judge whether she or Kardashian had believed at the time that wearing and sharing images of such expensive jewellery would be a risk, Ms Harouche says: “Just because a woman wears jewellery doesn’t make her a target. That’s like saying because a woman wears a short skirt she deserves to be raped”.
She went on to say: “I think that that moment changed [Kardashian’s] life forever… In terms of security, she doesn’t go alone to places anymore.”
Read more: Everything you need to know about the Paris trial
Following the robbery, Ms Harouche says she quit her job as a stylist as the experience “made me fearful of all the things that could happen to celebrities, and being around them”.
Asking for ‘forgiveness’
At the end of her time in the witness stand, the judge attempted to play a video message from one of the defendants, Yunice Abbas.
Kardashian at the Siran Presentation on the day of the robbery. Pic: Matteo Prandoni/BFA/Shutterstock
A tech issue meant the message would not play, so instead, the judge read out the statement from Mr Abbas, asking for “forgiveness” for his actions. When asked by the judge if she had a reaction to the apology, Ms Harouche answered, “No”.
The trial, which is being held in front of three judges and six jury members, is due to conclude at the end of this week.
Ozzy Osbourne has reunited with Black Sabbath and performed his final gig – telling fans “you’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart”, in an emotional but truly metal goodbye.
Announced earlier this year, Back To The Beginning at Villa Park stadium was billed as the “final bow” for the man revered as a founder of heavy metal after several years of health problems, including Parkinson’s disease.
Rising up on a black throne featuring jewelled skulls, the 76-year-old performed a solo set before being joined by his original bandmates – Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward – for Black Sabbath’s first performance in 20 years.
“Let the madness begin,” Osbourne cried as he appeared for the first time, telling about 40,000 fans: “It’s so good to be on this stage.”
Ozzy smiles and waves his arms. Pic: Ross Halfin
Ozzy Osbourne sings while sitting on a black throne
With the crowd chanting his name, he performed both sets sitting down, but the voice and the crazed glint in his eyes were there almost throughout.
Singing fan favourites including Mr Crowley and Crazy Train, and Iron Man and Paranoid with Black Sabbath, Osbourne conducted the crowd to sing “louder, louder”, and “go f****** crazy”.
This was an orchestrated exit by heavy metal’s biggest character, with a supporting line-up of hard rock luminaries – from Slayer and Halestorm to Metallica and Guns ‘n’ Roses, plus stars including Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Yungblud, Travis Barker and Chad Smith, who showed up for “supergroup” performances.
Many said they would not be the musicians they are without Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
Ronnie Wood was among the hard rock luminaries in the line-up. Pic: Ross Halfin
Stars at the concert included Steven Tyler. Pic: Ross Halfin
“You know, there’s not another guy as respected in metal as Ozzy Osbourne,” former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar told Sky News just ahead of his performance. “And for him to be sick and to be saying, I’m out, I’m done. Man. There’s no one else that can replace that.”
“Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica,” said frontman James Hetfield during their performance.
“We’re not here to say goodbye,” said Anthrax’s Scott Ian. “We’re just here to say thank you.”
Throughout the day, giant Ozzy and Black Sabbath beach balls, in the Aston Villa claret and blue, were bounced around a jubilant crowd.
Tributes from other celebrity friends and fans, from Billy Idol and Ricky Gervais to Dolly Parton and Sir Elton John, were played on screen.
Read more: From Black Sabbath’s Prince of Darkness to reality TV star
Metallica frontman James Hetfield during the show. Pic: Ross Halfin
Yungblud also performed. Pic: Kazuyo Horie
Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, who hosted the event, told the crowd heavy metal had been a “safehaven” for many growing up, and Black Sabbath’s music had “influenced and inspired musicians” of all eras and genres.
The farewell show was the idea of Osbourne’s wife, Sharon – one final gig to finish his performing career on a high – after he was forced to cancel shows he had planned in 2023, telling fans he “never imagined” his touring days would end that way.
Sharon Osbourne told Sky News earlier this year that his one regret was not being able to say a thank you to his fans, and so the idea for the reunion gig was born.
Profits from the show will be shared between Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn’s Children’s Hospice.
Confetti rained down on fans during the show
The gig came after the Black Sabbath band members were awarded the freedom of Birmingham earlier in June, recognised for their significance to the cultural and musical identity of the city they grew up in.
The group formed in 1968 and went on to become one of the most successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide over the years.
They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 – Osbourne again later as a solo artist last year – and awarded a lifetime Ivor Novello songwriting award in 2015. In 2019, they were presented with a Grammy lifetime achievement prize.
Back To The Beginning’s all star line-up. Pic: Ross Halfin
Now, their first performance in 20 years will also be their last – one for the metal history books.
The show ended with fireworks and a roar from the crowd, who had chanted Ozzy’s name throughout.
For fans, Back To The Beginning capped it all – the ultimate rock and metal line-up, and one last opportunity to show their love for the Prince of Darkness.
“I feel lucky to be able to attend this,” said Calum Kennedy, 19, from Dunfermline. “It’s the biggest metal show known to man, [the biggest line-up] ever. I’ve never seen anything better.”
Ozzy wore a shiny black jacket and a gold armband bearing his name. Pic: Ross Halfin
Read more from Sky News:
Oasis reunion: Ultimately, it was all about the music
BBC to stop showing ‘high risk’ performances live
Ben Sutton, 24, from Chester, added: “I feel like it’s important – we’re of the younger generation – for us to see some of the heritage and history of the genre we love, metal in general. It’s such an honour to say goodbye to him.”
Steve Townson, from Lincolnshire, said: “I saw him the first time round and the fact that he’s still going is incredible, isn’t it? I was there at the start, I’m happy to be here at the end.”
Entertainment
Oasis reunion: A high-five and a hug – the gestures were there, but ultimately it was all about the music
Oasis have reunited on stage for the first time in almost 16 years – with brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher sharing a high five and the briefest of hugs as they closed a performance that for fans was more than worth the wait.
After the split in 2009, for many years Noel said he would never go back – and for a long time, as the brothers exchanged insults through separate interviews (and on social media, for Liam), it seemed pretty unlikely to ever happen.
But now, here they are. As they walked out on stage at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, all eyes were on the Gallaghers for a sense of their relationship – dare we say it, friendship? – now after all these years.
As it happened: How Oasis’s first gig together in 16 years unfolded
There was no reference to their fall-out or making up, but the gestures were there – lifting hands together as they walked out for the first time.
The headline “OASIS REUNITED” was shown on stage at the gig. Pic: PA
Fans at the Oasis gig. Pic: PA
Headlines and tweets of speculation and then confirmation of the reunion filled the screens as the show started. “This is happening,” said one, repeatedly.
In the end, it was all about the music.
Liam has received criticism in the past for his voice not being what it once was, but back on stage with his brother tonight he delivered exactly what fans would have hoped for – a raw, steely-eyed performance, snarling vocals, and the swagger that makes him arguably the greatest frontman of his day.
This was Oasis sounding almost as good as they ever have.
Fans sang along and held up their phones to film as Oasis performed. Pic: PA
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Oasis: ‘It’s good to be back’
They opened with Hello, because of course, “it’s good to be back”. And then Acquiesce, and those lyrics: “Because we need each other/ We believe in one another.”
The song is said to be about friendship in the wider sense, rather than their brotherly bond and sibling rivalry, but you can’t help but feel like it means something here.
Over two hours, they played favourite after favourite – including Morning Glory, Some Might Say, Cigarettes & Alcohol, Supersonic and Roll With It.
Liam Gallagher as Oasis takes to the stage in Cardiff. Pic: PA
In the mid-section, Liam takes his break for Noel to sing Talk Tonight, Half The World Away and Little By Little; the tempo slows but there is by no means a lull, with the fans singing all his words back to him.
Liam returns for hits including Stand By Me, Slide Away, Whatever and Live Forever, before sending the crowd wild (or even wilder) with Rock And Roll Star.
Noel Gallagher performing on stage. Pic: PA
An Oasis fan is pointing at the stage during the gig. Pic: PA
When the reunion announcement was made last summer, it quickly became overshadowed by the controversy of dynamic pricing causing prices to rocket. As he has done on X before, Liam addressed the issue on stage with a joke.
“Was it worth the £4,000 you paid for the ticket?” he shouted at one point. “Yeah,” the crowd shouts back; seemingly all is forgiven.
After Rock And Roll Star, the dream that very quickly became a reality for this band, Noel introduced the rest of the group, calling Bonehead a “legend”.
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs of Oasis. Pic: PA
Liam Gallagher carried a tambourine in his mouth during the concert. Pic: PA
Then he acknowledges all their young fans, some who maybe weren’t even born when they split. “This one is for all the people in their 20s who’ve never seen us before, who’ve kept this shit going,” he says before the encore starts with The Masterplan.
Noel follows with Don’t Look Back In Anger, and the screens fill with Manchester bees in reference to the arena bombing and how the song became the sound of hope and defiance for the city afterwards.
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‘I’d have paid £10,000 to see them’
Two fans sat on their friends’ shoulders as Oasis performed. Pic: PA
During Wonderwall, there’s a nice touch as Liam sings to the crowd: “There are many things I would like to say to you, but I don’t speak Welsh.”
It is at the end of Champagne Supernova, which closes the set, that it happens; Noel puts down his guitar, and they come together for a high-five and a back-slap, a blink-and-you’d miss it hug.
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What fans thought of band’s comeback
Read more:
What you need to know about the Oasis tour
Liam Gallagher hits out at council after fans branded ‘rowdy’
“Right then, beautiful people, this is it,” Liam had told the crowd as he introduced the song just a few minutes earlier. “Nice one for putting up with us over the years.”
From the roar of the audience, it’s safe to say most people here would agree it’s been worth it.
Oasis are set to kick off their reunion tour in Cardiff this weekend, with thousands expected to descend on the Welsh capital.
The 41-date Oasis Live 25 tour begins in the city on Friday and Saturday, amid warnings for people to plan ahead before they travel.
The Gallagher brothers’ last performance together was in 2009, and the tour sold out within hours of its announcement last August, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the reunion.
But where is the tour heading – and why was Cardiff chosen as the city where the brothers will perform for the first time together in almost 16 years?
When does the tour start and where is it heading?
After Cardiff, Oasis will go on to perform at Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin on their UK and Ireland leg of the tour.
See below for a full list of tour dates:
Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Pic: PA
Why was Cardiff picked as the first stop?
Asked on X in May why Cardiff was chosen as the location for the opening leg, Liam Gallagher said “because Cardiff is the bollox”.
Principality Stadium is a 74,500-seat venue, known as the home of Welsh rugby, which played host to Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift concerts last year.
Businesses in the area are hoping the arrival of Oasis will bring an influx of trade to the city.
Gary Corp, manager of the City Arms, told Sky News that he was expecting the concert would “treble if not quadruple the footfall on the street”.
Meanwhile, Ethan John, events manager at Tiny Rebel, said Oasis choosing Cardiff to kick off their tour was “surreal” and that previous events such as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour had a “massive impact” on footfall.
What travel advice is there in Cardiff?
Train operators say trains will be busy and people should allow plenty of time for their journey home.
Georgie Wills, from Transport for Wales, said the company was “thrilled to welcome thousands to Cardiff this summer”.
“Look out for our queuing systems and travel tips – and let’s make it a safe and smooth experience for everyone,” she added.
Cardiff Council has confirmed that roads around the stadium will close from 12pm until 12am on both Friday and Saturday.
The road closures come into force three hours earlier than is planned for upcoming Stereophonics, Kendrick Lamar and Catfish and the Bottlemen concerts later this summer.
The Cardiff Bus Interchange will close at 3pm and Cardiff Queen Street railway station will close at 10pm (apart from accessible travel or journeys to Cardiff Bay).
Liam Gallagher (left) and Noel Gallagher (right). Pic: PA
What time does the show start and who are the support acts?
Principality Stadium’s doors open at 5pm on both Friday and Saturday.
The band will be supported by indie rock band Cast and Richard Ashcroft (who formed alternative rock band the Verve) in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Cast start their Cardiff set at 6pm, followed by Richard Ashcroft at 7pm.
Oasis will take to the stage at 8.15pm, and should finish by 10.30pm.
American rock band Cage the Elephant will support Oasis in Canada, Mexico and at the Chicago gig.
They will be joined again by Cast for the East Rutherford and Pasadena dates.
Australian indie rock band Ball Park Music will support in Australia.
Are tickets still available for the shows?
The tour is sold out, but the band has said it is possible some additional tickets may be released.
In an Instagram post on 25 June, the band advised members of Oasismynet to “keep an eye” on their inbox.
The final releases would come “over the coming days” once production was “fine tuned”, the band said.
Read more from Sky News:
The Gallagher brothers back together
The story of the rock ‘n’ roll brothers so far
What’s the weather going to be like?
Cardiff is set to be cloudy with sunny intervals on Friday afternoon, with highs of 21C and lows of 15C.
On Saturday, however, it will be slightly cooler with light rain during the afternoon, before clearing up in the evening.
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