Kim Kardashian on Tuesday sued a website for claiming she had staged an armed robbery in Paris that her sister said had left her terrorized and traumatized.
The reality TV star filed a defamation lawsuit in federal court in New York against the U.S. celebrity gossip site MediaTakeOut.com for reporting that she had faked the robbery, and then filed a fraudulent insurance claim.
Paris police said the 35-year-old celebrity was robbed at gunpoint of some $10 million in jewelry by masked men who tied her up in her Paris apartment early on Oct. 3.
The website did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kardashian's TV show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" has been put on hold since the robbery and Kim has stopped her other business and social engagements.
In the first TV appearance on Tuesday by a Kardashian member since the Paris incident, her sister Khloe said the robbery had proved a "wake-up call" to the family, who chronicle almost every aspect of their lives on TV and social media.
"She’s not doing that well. I mean, it’s incredibly traumatic what happened to her, but our family is super close and great and we’ll get through it together," Khloe Kardashian told U.S. chat show host Ellen DeGeneres.
"It’s just a wake up call to make a lot of life adjustments. This is a really serious matter for Kim I think that’s really personal," she said, adding that Kim had suffered "emotional terror."
Tuesday's lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for defamation and names both MediaTakeOut.com and its founder, Fred Mwangaguhunga, as defendants.
"After having been the victim of a horrific and traumatic armed robbery in France, Kim Kardashian returned to the United States only to again be victimized, but this time by an online gossip tabloid that published a series of articles in early October 2016 referring to her a liar and thief," the lawsuit said.
It said that Mwangaguhunga refused to publish a retraction and an apology.
Kardashian has been criticized for making herself vulnerable by posting photos of her $4 million dollar engagement ring and other jewelry in the days before the Paris attack.
Others have made fun of the robbery. One California-based company is selling a Halloween costume called "Parisian Heist Robbery Victim" that consists of a long black wig, sunglasses, a white bathrobe, rope, a mouth gag and a large plastic ring.
Reuters
Wed Oct 12 2016
Kardashian has been criticized for making herself vulnerable by posting photos of her $4 million dollar engagement ring and other jewelry in the days before the Paris attack.
US military plane deporting Indian immigrants lands in India
The Trump administration has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out its immigration agenda.
Trump's Gaza plan for 'Riviera of the Middle East' triggers international condemnation
Countries from Russia, China, Spain, Ireland and the UK say they continue to support the two-state solution.
US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
Trump's crackdown on de minimis would make the products sold by the likes of Shein and Temu more expensive.
US plan to take over Gaza: Malaysia's stance on Palestine unchanged - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's stance remains the same as that of other Islamic countries.
US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti's gangs
More than $13 million in US funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen, the UN says.
Over 40,000 civil servants at high risk of mental health issues - Zaliha
A total of 44,901 civil servants were screened under Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
India's Modi takes 'holy dips' at Maha Kumbh, week after stampede killed dozens
Security personnel stood in the water nearby while thousands of people crowded the banks to watch the prime minister perform the rituals.
Philippine Congress endorses impeachment complaint against vice president
Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Philippines' second most senior official to face removal from office.
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Sovereign wealth funds are investment vehicles owned by countries.
[COLUMNIST] Rising above Trump tariffs: How a resilient global economy outlasts US protectionism
The current alarm over Trumps tariff threats overlooks a key point: global markets are resilient and adaptable.
Khazanah reports RM5.1 billion operating profit for 2024
Khazanah records RM103.6 billion NAV in 2024, driven by strong domestic investments and strategic growth.
Washington, DC officials identify 66 of 67 victims of midair collision
Work continues by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the airplane wreckage from the Potomac River.
Government to further strengthen ASEAN's readiness in finalising DEFA
Malaysia is focusing on two main approaches to facilitate the DEFA negotiation, says Liew Chin Tong.
Trade war will not hinder Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2025 - Rafizi
The finance ministry has projected Malaysia's GDP to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent in 2025.
Trump administration considers adding Shein, Temu to 'forced labor' list, Semafor reports
The move comes after China imposes targeted tariffs on US imports and warnings of possible sanctions against firms like Google.
Thailand to cut power to Myanmar border areas linked to scam centres
Evidence shows transnational crime syndicates in Myanmar's Tachileik, Myawaddy, Payathonzu, that are possible power cut targets.
Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
Trump signs the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
FACTBOX: Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza
Here are some remarks that US President Donald Trump made and questions that he answered during a press conference.
Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations
Under the Racial Harmony Bill, race-based groups must disclose foreign and anonymous donations, affiliations, and leadership.
Malaysia, Uzbekistan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan noted active cooperation on key issues within international bodies, especially the UN and OIC.