Paris court grants Kim Kardashian symbolic one euro compensation in heist case

A Paris court has awarded Kim Kardashian just 1 euro ($1.15) in damages over the armed robbery she suffered in the French capital in 2016. A lawyer involved in the case said Kardashian herself had requested this compensation, which was granted on Tuesday.

Kardashian had described the robbery as "the most terrifying experience of her life." Last year, a court convicted eight people involved in the incident.

In a joint statement after the verdict, Kardashian and her stylist Simone Harouche expressed gratitude to the French justice system. In a statement to The Associated Press (AP), they said, "The experience was deeply traumatic. Its impact still lingers with us. Today's verdict is not just about receiving compensation, but a testament to accountability and recognition."

The statement further said, "We are grateful to the court and to everyone who supported us throughout this process. We hope we can now put this behind us and move forward and heal."

A lawyer in the case said the court awarded 109,516 euros in compensation to a former receptionist at the Hôtel de Pourtalès, where Kardashian was staying during the robbery.

The receptionist said he had been psychologically traumatised by the jewellery heist during Fashion Week on October 2, 2016. He had sought 550,000 euros in compensation and interest. His lawyer, Mohand Widja, welcomed the court's ruling as a victory.

The lawyer read out the court's written verdict in front of an AP journalist. The court awarded 50,000 euros in compensation to the hotel. Kardashian's stylist Simone Harouche, who was present at the scene during the robbery, was also awarded the 1 euro in damages she had claimed.

Two members of the gang, posing as police officers, forced their way into Kardashian's suite. They then bound her with zip ties and tape and fled with jewellery worth more than $60 million. Among the stolen items was a diamond ring Kardashian had worn to a Givenchy event that night.

Due to their age, the gang became known in France as the "Grandpa Robbers." At the time of trial, six members of the gang were between 60 and 70 years old, facing charges including armed robbery, kidnapping and involvement in an organised criminal network.

As the convicted individuals had already served their sentences in pre-trial detention, none of them had to return to prison. None of them appealed against the verdict.

In a statement after the robbers were convicted, Kardashian thanked the French authorities. She said, "This robbery was the most terrifying experience of my life, which has had a lasting impact on me and my family. I will never forget what happened. But I believe in the power of human healing and accountability, and I pray for everyone's recovery."