Rachel Bilson implemented crucial safety measures following being targeted by Bling Ring robbers five times.
Recently, 'The OC' actor has teamed up with SimpliSafe for home security.
Rachel Bilson, a Hollywood actress, was a victim of the Bling Ring and has since altered her perspective on safety.
Between 2008 and 2009, a group of teenagers, later identified as Rachel Lee, Nick Prugo, Courtney Ames, Alexis Neiers and Diana Tamayo, broke into the home of "The O.C." star five times when she was out of town, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of belongings, including her mother's engagement ring.
In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, the actress, who is 43 years old, recounted her feelings about the thefts at the time and discussed how her perspective has evolved over the years.
"Bilson stated that it was quite shocking at the time, and many things were taken. As a young person, it was likely more difficult to accept."
She added with a laugh, "But I will say that my mom always taught me not to have such an attachment to material possessions or anything for that matter."
"Although it was difficult, Bilson acknowledged that he had a collection of things he loved and enjoyed. He didn't understand how anyone could wear size 5 shoes, and he didn't know what they were doing with all of his shoes. However, as time has passed, he realized the importance of letting go of things like that."
"I remember at the time, it was pretty jarring, you know, and a lot of stuff was taken. And being in my youth, it was probably harder to swallow." — Rachel Bilson
The group that stole $3 million from Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, and Audrina Patridge received varying prison sentences, probation, and community service.
Planet Chronicle Digital reported that Bilson's fears decreased after more information about the thieves became available, but she took precautions to safeguard herself.
"Because of the nature of those burglaries and knowing they were kids, I felt less scared and threatened once it was revealed," she said. "I definitely began locking my doors and setting my alarm."
In an October 2022 episode of her podcast, "Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen," Rachel Bilson confronted Alexis Haines née Neiers and her younger sister, Gabby, who were involved in the robberies.
In the episode, Haines and Gabby, who was 15 at the time of the robberies, expressed their emotions while apologizing to Bilson.
The actress's experience as a mother influenced her behavior during her interview with the sisters. Bilson, who shares daughter Briar Rose, 9, with ex-fiance Hayden Christenson, is a "Star Wars" actress.
"As a mother, I found myself being more nurturing because these girls still had a lot of feelings towards it," she said. "It was almost like it was a maternal thing for me."
Bilson stated, "I won't ever say 'It's okay' because it was still a violation, and not acceptable. However, as I've grown older, I've come to understand that position better."
The 2013 movie "The Bling Ring," directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Emma Watson, Israel Broussard, Taissa Farmiga, Katie Chang, Claire Julien, Georgia Rock, and Leslie Mann, was based on Nancy Jo Sales' 2010 Vanity Fair article "The Suspects Wore Louboutins," which explored the real-life group of robbers.
SimpliSafe has recently partnered with Bilson, who announced the collaboration after experiencing home invasion incidents at the hands of the Bling Ring.
""Unfortunately and fortunately, I've had experiences with break-ins and burglaries in the past, but I'm a big advocate for a safe home and protection, and I just love Simplisafe," she said."
Bilson stated, "Their technology is designed to prevent break-ins from occurring. If I had Simplisafe in the past, I could have been traveling without any issues because I would have had the Simplisafe system."
"As a big fan, it was a natural fit for me."
Having a product like SimpliSafe's Active Guard Outdoor Protection and Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 that can proactively protect against break-ins before they occur is crucial for feeling safe and secure in your home, according to Bilson.
During her interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Bilson discussed her thoughts on raising Briar with Christenson following their 2017 separation.
Bilson and Christensen started dating in 2008 after co-starring in "Jumper." They announced their engagement in December 2008 but split for a few months in 2010 before reconciling. They welcomed a daughter, Briar, in October 2014, but went their separate ways three years later.
""Communication" is the key to a successful co-parenting relationship, according to "The Hart of Dixie" alum."
"All we need is the ability to talk, and we have achieved that," Bilson stated. "Our daughter is content, self-assured, and cherished. Indeed, there is nothing more fulfilling than that."
Briar and Bilson share a special relationship, and the most rewarding part of motherhood for Bilson is simply being a mom.
"Bilson confessed to Planet Chronicle Digital that raising his young daughter, who he is deeply attached to, is his greatest joy. He considers her his best friend and loves her immensely. Even the thought of being apart from her for just one day was incredibly difficult for him."
"And, indeed, it's the greatest thing in life and my top priority," she added.
Briar's parenting has been challenging for Bilson, as she has found it to be the most difficult aspect of being a parent.
Navigating life and preparing people to handle challenges and friendship issues becomes increasingly difficult as she grows older, she explained.
"She's doing a great job, and I'm proud of the person she is becoming. What I love most is that people often comment on my daughter's kindness first, and I'm thrilled to know that we're doing something right."
Summer Roberts, portrayed by Bilson, gained popularity on the hit teen drama series "The O.C." from 2003 to 2007, which depicted a group of affluent teenagers residing in Newport Beach, California's Orange County.
In her interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Bilson joked that what she recalls most vividly from her time on "The O.C." was feeling chilly while wearing a bikini on the beach at night.
She said, "Yes, it was such an amazing time and I feel so nostalgic for it."
Bilson admitted that she was overwhelmed with emotions while rewatching the series for her podcast "Welcome to the OC, Bitches!" which she started in 2021 with Melissa Roberts.
"Bilson said, "It's like watching yourself at 21 years old while you're 40, and it's such a trip. But it was such a great time and I love everyone, still do. And it was a really cool experience to go through together.""
Although there are many reboots of popular TV shows, Bilson is unsure if "The O.C." will ever be revived.
""I don't know the answer to that, but I think it was really special," she said."
If the show gets a reboot or reunion episode, Bilson said she would be open to reprising her role as Summer.
"If it were to happen, would I say yes? Of course," she said. "But, sometimes leaving something where it was is the right move, so I don't know."
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