Kim Kardashian gets €1 in damages for being victim of Paris armed robbery

A Paris court has awarded €1 to Kim Kardashian for having been the victim of an armed robbery in the French capital in 2016, the amount of compensation she had asked for, according to a lawyer involved in the case.

The court last year found eight people guilty for their roles in what Kardashian described as “the most terrifying experience of my life”. She and the stylist Simone Harouche, who was present during the robbery, expressed gratitude to the French justice system in a joint statement.

“The experience was deeply traumatic, and its impact has stayed with us. Today’s decision is not about the compensation, but about accountability and recognition,” the statement to the Associated Press read. “We are thankful to the court and everyone who supported us throughout this process, and we hope to now move forward and continue to heal.”

The court awarded a former receptionist at the Hôtel de Pourtalès, where Kardashian was targeted, €109,516 (£93,900), according to his lawyer.

The receptionist said he had been traumatised by the jewel heist on 2 October 2016 during fashion week. He had sought €550,000 in damages and interest. His lawyer, Mohand Ouidja, welcomed the decision as a victory.

The court awarded the hotel €50,000 and Harouche €1, the amount she had requested.

French lawyers who acted for Kardashian during the trial did not respond to requests for comment this week from AP.

Two of the robbers, dressed as police, forced their way into Kardashian’s suite, bound her with zip ties and tape and made off with more than $6m in jewellery, including a diamond ring she had worn that night to a Givenchy show.

The robbers became known in France as “les papys braqueurs”, or the grandpa robbers. Six of them were in their 60s and 70s when they were tried for armed robbery, kidnapping, gang association and other charges.

With time already served in pre-trial detention, none of those found guilty went back to prison. None of them appealed against the verdict.

Kardashian said in a statement issued after their conviction that she was “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case”.

“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,” she said. “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.”