Audrina Patridge recently shared chilling memories of the night she found herself trapped in her closet, fearing intruders, following a burglary by the notorious Bling Ring gang.
In a candid conversation on the Broad Ideas podcast with Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen, both former targets of the Bling Ring, Patridge recounted the ordeal. The Hills star recounted how the burglars made off with bags of her belongings while she was attending an Oscars party. Patridge had unwittingly revealed her whereabouts through a tweet, leading the thieves to her home. Despite her efforts to identify them through surveillance footage, Patridge recovered none of her stolen items, including cherished heirlooms like her aunt’s vintage Chanel watches.
Returning home from a trip to Australia, Patridge was met with the unsettling sight of her belongings scattered and missing. Fearing the burglars might still be inside, she locked herself in her closet, phoning her sister and later 911 for help. The invasion left her feeling violated and ultimately prompted her to seek refuge with family outside of Los Angeles.
The Bling Ring’s crime spree, which targeted homes of celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Orlando Bloom, resulted in thefts totaling millions of dollars. Despite legal repercussions for some members, including ringleader Rachel Lee, the trauma inflicted on their victims lingers. The saga has been adapted into various films and documentaries, immortalizing the audacious burglaries that shook Hollywood.
Patridge’s account sheds light on the lasting impact of the Bling Ring’s actions, underscoring the vulnerability of those in the public eye and the importance of security and privacy in the face of such intrusions.
