In the early hours of October 3, 2016, Kim Kardashian West was robbed at gunpoint in a luxury residence on Rue Tronchet in Paris, France. The thieves—five individuals posing as police officers—gained access to her private apartment by threatening the concierge. They tied Kardashian up, gagged her, and locked her in a bathroom while they stole nearly $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring given to her by Kanye West.

The robbers used the cover of night to escape—three on bicycles, two on foot—disappearing into the quiet streets before dawn. The apartment was part of a discreet residence near the historic Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, and the incident shocked the world not just for its brutality, but for its surreal and cinematic execution.

The case came to symbolize the dark side of celebrity in the age of social media. French investigators later revealed that the robbers had meticulously tracked Kardashian’s movements through her social media posts. One of the accused, Aomar Ait Khedache, even admitted to planning the robbery based on what she posted online, saying her jewelry was clearly visible and her schedule was easy to track.

Kardashian’s silence after the event marked a rare moment of withdrawal from the public eye. She later opened up emotionally in an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, recounting her fear of being raped and killed. The traumatic event profoundly affected her lifestyle, mental health, and how she shared her life publicly. She now avoids posting in real-time and has increased her security.

The robbers, dubbed “The Grandpa Gang” in the French media due to their advanced ages—some in their 60s and 70s—were eventually caught. DNA, surveillance footage, and confessions led to the arrests of 12 individuals. One of the robbers, Yunice Abbas, even published a book about the robbery, titled “J’ai séquestré Kim Kardashian” (“I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian”). While he admitted to participating, he expressed no remorse, suggesting she “was throwing money away.”

Of the 12 accused, 10 have gone on trial this week in Paris after years of delay. One died, and another will be tried separately due to health reasons. Eight of the ten on trial deny the charges, which include armed robbery in an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.

Kardashian is expected to testify in court. Her lawyer confirmed that she deeply respects the French judicial process and is withholding public comment until after her appearance. The robbery and subsequent trial have reignited debates about celebrity culture, privacy, and the ethics of flaunting wealth online.

In hindsight, Kardashian has said the robbery forced her to change. Speaking with Ellen DeGeneres and David Letterman in later interviews, she emphasized that she no longer cares about showing off material things and now values safety and privacy over luxury and status.

The trial is not just about seeking justice for a celebrity. It has become a mirror reflecting the vulnerabilities of modern fame—and how, in a hyperconnected world, even glamour can become dangerous.