The so-called “grandpa gangsters” accused of robbing Kim Kardashian are now on trial. One of the defendants has expressed remorse for his actions.
Yunice Abbas is standing trial. He is one of ten individuals accused of brutally robbing reality star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, 44, in France in 2016. While others allegedly involved have denied any wrongdoing, Abbas has long admitted his participation and even written a book about it. On the second day of the trial — which began more than eight years after the Kardashian robbery — Abbas claimed that he now regrets his actions.
“It opened my eyes”
Abbas was one of the defendants questioned on Tuesday, receiving the media nickname “grandpa gangster” due to his age. “Listening to you, it feels like you’re just feeling sorry for yourself. Do you have any sympathy for your victims?” he was reportedly asked in court, according to the BBC. The 71-year-old, described as an “experienced petty criminal,” responded: “I didn’t before. But this time, I regret what I did. It opened my eyes.”
He explained that extensive media coverage made him reflect: “TV channels talked about it all day, and that made me start asking myself some questions,” Abbas said. When confronted with the title of his book — which roughly translates to I Took Kim Kardashian Hostage — suggesting he might be proud of the crime, Abbas shook his head and said, “No, absolutely not.”
Abbas had previously hinted that the longer he stayed in prison, the less he feared returning. According to the BBC, aside from Abbas and 78-year-old Marc Boyer — who is accused of procuring the weapon used to threaten Kardashian — all other defendants deny any wrongdoing.
Kim Kardashian Expected to Testify in Person
In October 2016, masked assailants broke into the Hôtel de Pourtalès, gaining access to Kim Kardashian’s suite while she was in Paris for Fashion Week. They overpowered the now 44-year-old, tied her up, and threatened her with a weapon. The robbers made off with several million euros worth of jewelry. The trial is expected to run until May 23. Kardashian is scheduled to appear in court and testify in person on May 13.
