Kim Kardashian has opened up about why she chose to wear a 22-carat diamond ring and other high-end jewellery to the trial of the men accused in her 2016 Paris robbery — even though she knew it could be “deemed disrespectful.”
In a new episode of The Kardashians that aired on Thursday, December 4, the reality star and business mogul, 45, is seen getting ready to testify against the individuals involved in her 2016 Paris robbery. As she prepares, she asks:
“Should I wear the ring that they stole from me that I ended up replacing? 22 carats, baby!”
Kardashian ultimately decides to go to court “decked out” in diamonds, including the ring, a statement necklace and an ear cuff.
Her mother, Kris Jenner, voices concern that wearing such eye-catching jewellery to a robbery trial could be seen as inappropriate. Kardashian, however, is adamant.
“They're not gonna take my power,” she replies. “I wanna be who I wanna be, and I feel like they took that away from me for so long.”
In a confessional, she explains how deeply the 2016 attack affected her behaviour.
“For years, I didn't wear diamonds … it changed the way that I operate in my home, for what I keep in my home,” she says. “But, like, again, on the final straw, you're still telling me what I'm not allowed to do because of what these people have done?”
Her conclusion is blunt: “I want to taunt the f--- out of these losers. I wanna wear whatever the f--- I wanna wear, if I wanna wear it.”
Even when Jenner, 70, receives a message advising Kardashian to tone down her accessories and opt for something more low-key, the SKIMS founder refuses to change her look.
On May 13, Kardashian arrived at the Palais de Justice court in Paris to testify at the trial of those suspected of being involved in the jewellery heist.
She wore a sleek black blazer and matching long skirt during her courthouse appearance, but her sparkling diamonds stole focus.
Alongside the 22-carat ring, she wore a $3 million diamond necklace by Samer Halimeh New York, crafted in 18K white gold, weighing 57 grammes and featuring a total of 80 diamonds and 52.17 carats. She also wore an 18K gold Briony Raymond Sloan Pave Diamond Ear Cuff and a selection of jewellery pieces by Repossi.
Jewellery expert Laura Taylor, who is not associated with Kardashian, told People at the time: “This isn't just another public appearance, it's the first time she has come face to face with the people who tied her up, held her at gunpoint, and stole millions worth of jewelry."
"She knew the cameras would be there, the images would be shared globally, and in typical Kim fashion, she made sure she was in control of how she was seen,” she added.
Kardashian was staying at the No Address Hotel during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016 when five men dressed as policemen allegedly broke into her room. They tied up her hands and feet before putting her in a bathtub, then stole millions of dollars' worth of jewellery, including two diamond Cartier bracelets, a gold and diamond Jacob necklace, Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings, a gold Rolex and other items.
Nearly a decade later, after the trial was postponed several times because of its complexity, Kardashian took the stand to testify against the suspects involved in the robbery. Ultimately, eight of the 10 defendants were found guilty.
“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,” Kardashian told People in a statement after the trial. “While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system.”
