Kim Kardashian has been awarded one euro ($1.15) in compensation by a Paris court after being robbed at gunpoint in the French capital in 2016, closing out a legal case that has run for nearly a decade.
The 45-year-old reality star lost an estimated $10 million worth of jewelry in the October 2016 raid, including a $4 million engagement ring given to her by her ex-husband, rapper Kanye West. The ring has never been recovered.
Two robbers disguised as police officers forced their way into Kardashian's Paris hotel suite, bound her with zip ties and tape, and left her fearing she would be raped or murdered.
The 'Grandpa Robbers'
Because of their ages, the robbers became known in France as 'les papys braqueurs,' or the grandpa robbers. Six of the eight men convicted were in their 60s and 70s when they stood trial on charges including armed robbery, kidnapping and gang association.
A Paris court found eight people guilty last year over the robbery, which Kardashian has described as 'the most terrifying experience of my life.' With time already served in pretrial detention, none of those convicted went back to prison, and none appealed the verdict.
One Euro, As Requested
The one euro awarded to Kardashian was the exact sum she had asked for, according to a lawyer involved in the case.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday with stylist Simone Harouche, who was present during the robbery, Kardashian thanked the French justice system. "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 said. "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 also awarded Harouche one euro, the amount she had requested.
Hotel and Receptionist Compensated
The court awarded a former receptionist at the Hotel de Pourtales, where Kardashian was staying at the time of the robbery, 109,516 euros ($126,472), according to his lawyer. The receptionist said he had been traumatized by the October 2, 2016 jewel heist, which took place during Paris Fashion Week, and had sought 550,000 euros ($634,868) in damages and interest. His lawyer, Mohand Ouidja, called the ruling a victory.
The hotel itself was awarded 50,000 euros ($57,741).
'Deeply Grateful'
After last year's guilty verdicts, Kardashian said she was "deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case." She has described how the robbers tied her hands with cable ties, dragged her to the bathtub of her suite and pointed a gun at her temple.
Among those convicted was Aomar Ait Khedache, identified as the ringleader of the robbery. Ait Khedache wrote a letter of remorse to Kardashian from prison in 2017.
"The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," Kardashian 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."
What Comes Next
Kardashian's legal team said she "appreciates the court's decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process."
"It has been a long journey from that terrible night back in 2016 to her standing courageously in a historic Paris courtroom to confront these criminals," the team said. "She looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves."
