BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Kim Kardashian has been awarded a symbolic €1 in damages by a Paris court over the armed robbery that left her traumatised after millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery were stolen from her during Paris Fashion Week in 2016.
The 45-year-old American reality television star and businesswoman received the symbolic compensation on Tuesday, September 15, nearly 10 years after she was robbed at the luxury Hôtel de Pourtalès in Paris.
According to reports cited in the case, the €1 award was the amount Kardashian herself had requested in the civil proceedings, underscoring that her claim was focused less on financial compensation than on accountability and recognition of what happened to her.
The robbery occurred in October 2016 while Kardashian was in Paris for Fashion Week. A group of thieves reportedly disguised themselves as police officers before gaining access to the hotel where the reality star was staying.
Kardashian was held at gunpoint, tied up and robbed of jewellery valued at more than $6 million.
Among the items taken was a diamond engagement ring reportedly worth about $4 million, which had been given to her by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West.
The dramatic incident became one of the most widely reported celebrity robberies of the decade and had a significant impact on Kardashian, who later described it as one of the most frightening experiences of her life.
During the 2025 criminal trial, Kardashian confronted alleged mastermind Aomar Aït Khedache and told him that she forgave him, while also making clear that the incident had caused her considerable emotional trauma.
Khedache was subsequently sentenced to eight years in prison, with five years suspended. Seven other defendants were also convicted in connection with the robbery.
However, because of time already served, the convicted defendants were not returned to prison following the verdict.
The symbolic nature of Kardashian’s award has attracted attention, particularly given the value of the jewellery stolen during the robbery.
Rather than seeking a large financial settlement, Kardashian requested €1 in damages.
Her stylist, Simone Harouche, who was also affected by the incident, received the same symbolic amount.
In a joint statement, Kardashian and Harouche said the case was not primarily about money.
They said the court’s decision represented accountability and recognition and expressed hope that the conclusion of the proceedings would allow them to move forward and continue healing.
While Kardashian and Harouche received symbolic compensation, other parties connected to the case were awarded significantly larger amounts.
A former hotel receptionist was reportedly awarded €109,516 in damages, while the hotel itself received €50,000.
