Karima El Marough, better known as "Ruby the Heart Stealer," was called to testify over allegations that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi paid to have intercourse with her when she was still a minor. NBC's Claudio Lavanga reports.By Claudio Lavanga, Producer, NBC NewsIt was a much-anticipated celebrity moment for the star in the most sensational trial to come out of modern Italian politics.
Karima El Mahroug, better known as "Ruby the Heart Stealer," was met at the High Court in Milan on Monday morning by a pack of shouting photographers. It looked like a red carpet moment, but "Ruby," sporting designer clothes, was heading not for a gala, but for a conversation with the judges in the trial of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
The 76-year-old media billionaire is accused of having paid the former nightclub dancer for intercourse when she was still a minor — a crime that could cost Berlusconi his reputation and 15 years in prison.
NBCNews