One of the suspects involved in the infamous 2016 armed robbery targeting Kim Kardashian has announced he will apologize in court as proceedings officially begin in Paris.
Yunice Abbas, 71, who has publicly admitted his role in the robbery, is among 10 individuals facing charges related to armed robbery and kidnapping. “I will apologize,” Abbas told The Associated Press, emphasizing his sincere intent.
Kim Kardashian, now 44, is expected to provide testimony in person. Over the years, she has recounted the harrowing experience both in interviews and on her family’s reality TV series, recalling how armed intruders stormed her private Paris residence during Fashion Week, threatening her life while stealing millions of dollars in jewellery. Kardashian has openly discussed fearing for her life during the ordeal, believing she might be assaulted or killed.
According to Abbas, his role was to act as a lookout on the ground floor, ensuring the escape path remained clear. He stated he was unarmed and did not physically threaten Kardashian but acknowledges shared responsibility for the crime. Arrested in January 2017, Abbas served 21 months in prison and was later released under judicial supervision. He later co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian.
Investigators reported that Kardashian was tied up with plastic cables and tape while the intruders searched for her jewellery, including her multi-million-dollar engagement ring. The building’s concierge, also held at gunpoint and forced to guide the attackers, suffered long-term psychological trauma. DNA evidence found on the concierge’s bindings linked Abbas directly to the scene.
Reflecting on Kardashian’s trauma, Abbas admitted, “It’s true, I didn’t think about it,” acknowledging his accountability despite not directly assaulting her.
Abbas also detailed the chaotic aftermath of the heist. Attempting to flee on a bicycle, he crashed when the stolen jewellery bag tangled in the wheel, spilling its contents onto the street. Although he recovered most items, a passerby later found a diamond-encrusted cross and turned it over to police—the only piece ever recovered. French authorities estimate the total value of stolen items at approximately USD $6 million (CAD $8.2 million).
Abbas claims he was unaware of Kardashian’s identity at the time, believing the target was merely “a rapper’s wife.” It was only after news reports the following morning that he realized the extent of the crime’s notoriety.
He insists he will fully disclose his actions during the trial but refuses to implicate his accomplices, stating, “I’m only an outsider. I’m not the mastermind. I accept my share of responsibility.”
While Abbas and another suspect, linked through DNA evidence, have admitted involvement, most of the accused continue to deny participation in the high-profile robbery.
