Hollywood actress Rachel Bilson was a victim of the notorious Bling Ring, an experience that has profoundly altered her perspective on safety. The star of "The O.C." was among the celebrities whose homes were targeted by a group of teenagers between 2008 and 2009. The Bling Ring members, identified as Rachel Lee, Nick Prugo, Courtney Ames, Alexis Neiers, and Diana Tamayo, broke into Bilson's home on five occasions while she was away, making off with hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of possessions, including her mother's engagement ring.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 43-year-old actress recounted her initial shock and how her outlook has evolved over time. "At the time, it was quite shocking, and a lot of valuable items were taken," Bilson said. "Being young, it was harder to accept." She added, "My mom always taught me not to be overly attached to material possessions or anything else for that matter." Despite this, Bilson admitted, "It was tough. I had a cherished collection of things I loved and enjoyed. I couldn't understand how anyone could wear size 5 shoes. I didn't know what they did with all my shoes, but it was definitely hard. Over the years, however, I've learned the importance of letting go of such things."
Other celebrities targeted by the group included Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, and Audrina Patridge, with the total theft amounting to $3 million. The perpetrators, aged 18 and 19 at the time of the crimes, received prison sentences, probation, and community service. Bilson told Fox News Digital that her fears subsided once she learned more about the thieves, but she did take steps to enhance her home security. "Knowing they were just kids, it didn't feel as scary or threatening," she said. "But I definitely started locking my doors and setting my alarm."
In an October 2022 episode of her podcast, "Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen," Bilson confronted Alexis Haines, formerly Neiers, and her sister Gabby, who were also involved in the robberies. During the episode, Haines and Gabby, who was 15 at the time of the robberies, emotionally apologized to Bilson. Bilson told Fox News Digital that becoming a mother influenced her reaction during the conversation. She shares daughter Briar Rose, 9, with her ex-fiance, "Star Wars" star Hayden Christensen. "It was almost maternal for me because these girls still had a lot of feelings about it," she said. "I found myself being more nurturing as a mother. It's important to let things go."
The story of the Bling Ring was dramatized in the 2013 movie "The Bling Ring," directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Emma Watson. Bilson recently announced a partnership with home security company SimpliSafe, a collaboration she described as a "natural fit" given her past experiences. "I'm a big advocate for home safety and protection," she said. "SimpliSafe's technology is designed to prevent break-ins before they happen. If I had SimpliSafe back then, I could have traveled without worry."
Bilson also reflected on her co-parenting relationship with Christensen. "Our key to successful co-parenting is communication," she said. "Our daughter is happy, confident, and loved. There's nothing better than that." Bilson, who rose to fame as Summer Roberts on "The O.C." from 2003 to 2007, shared her nostalgia for the show. "It was an amazing time," she said. "I love everyone from the show and still do. It was a really cool experience." Despite the trend of TV show reboots, Bilson is uncertain about a "The O.C." revival. "I don't think so," she said. "Sometimes, leaving something as it was is the right move."
