Kim Kardashian’s terrifying Paris robbery incident has taken another dramatic turn after the death of one of her attackers.
Didier Dubreucq, dubbed “Blue Eyes” and infamously known as one of the “grandpa robbers,” has died just days after being sentenced for his role in the 2016 $10 million heist. The 69-year-old, who was battling lung cancer throughout the trial, passed away Thursday morning, according to French authorities.
Dubreucq had just been sentenced to seven years in prison, with five suspended, for his alleged role in the brutal robbery. But due to time already served behind bars and his deteriorating health, he was released and never actually returned to prison. The infamous thief had long denied being involved in the raid, claiming mistaken identity during his interrogation. “Contrary to appearances in this case, I have nothing to do with it,” he told officials.
The French court found Dubreucq guilty of being one of two men who stormed Kim’s luxury Paris hotel room during Fashion Week in 2016. Kim testified that the attackers bound her with zip ties, held her at gunpoint, and made off with a staggering stash of jewellery, including her $4 million engagement ring from Kanye West. In court, she emotionally recalled fearing she would be raped or killed as the robbers dragged her onto the bed. “The robe opens up and everything is exposed… I was certain that was the moment he was going to rape me,” she told the court through tears.
Kim’s friend and stylist Simone Harouche, who was in the same hotel suite at the time, testified that she could hear Kim screaming for her life. “She kept saying, ‘I have babies and I need to live.’” It was a scene straight out of a nightmare, and nine years later, the case still haunts the star.
Despite the severity of the incident, all defendants, including ringleader Aomar Aït Khedache, walked free from court. The judge cited their ailing health, age, and previous prison time as reasons incarceration was unnecessary, declaring none were likely to reoffend.
Khedache, also 69, received the harshest sentence, eight years with five suspended, but like Dubreucq, avoided actual prison time. A judge said that although the robbers caused long-lasting trauma to Kim, they’d since “rebuilt their lives” and were no longer a threat to society.
Kim’s legal team expressed her satisfaction with the verdict, with lawyer Léonor Hennerick stating that she finally felt justice was served and could now move on. “It’s now done, she can move on,” Hennerick said.
Only one item from the heist, a necklace, has ever been recovered, reportedly dropped during the robbers’ escape on bikes. The rest of the jewels remain lost.
Kim has spoken publicly in the past about how deeply the robbery affected her mental health. She said it forced her to reassess her public lifestyle and tone down how much she shared online.
Her court appearance this year, nearly a decade later, was supported by her mother Kris Jenner. It marked a full-circle moment for the star, who had previously stayed quiet about the emotional toll the robbery took on her life.
While the “Blue Eyes” chapter of this horrifying ordeal has now come to an end, the legacy of that night continues to linger in both celebrity and criminal justice history.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
