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The television personality alleges in her new
documentary, “This is Paris,” that she was mentally and
physically abused at a boarding school as a teenager and is now
working to have the school closed.
"I've had so many people write me letters saying, 'Thank you so
much,'" said Hilton, 39, who said she did not speak to her
parents for 20 years because they sent her to Provo Canyon
School in Utah.
In the documentary, which premiered on her YouTube page this
month, Hilton alleges she was mentally and physically abused,
placed in solidarity confinement for hours at a time and forced
to take unknown medications.
Reuters could not independently confirm her claims.
Hilton said she was sent to Provo and several other schools for
troubled teens after years of rebellion.
In response to Hilton’s accusations, the Provo Canyon School
sent a statement that reads in part: “We are aware of media
referencing Provo Canyon School. Please note that PCS was sold
by its previous ownership in August 2000. We therefore cannot
comment on the operations or patient experience prior to that
time.”
The school also stated: “Over the last two decades, mental
health treatment has evolved from a behaviors-based foundation
to a personalized, trauma-informed approach. We work with
extremely complex individuals who often present a danger to
themselves and others. Provo Canyon School is committed to the
safety of our patients and staff.”
The original premise of the film was to spotlight Hilton as a
businesswoman and clear up misconceptions about her, but during
shooting she began opening up to her director.
"I felt so comfortable with her and told her about my nightmares
and a little bit about the story,” said Hilton.
Although Hilton didn't initially want the abuse issue in the
film, the director "just kept pushing me more and more. And then
I realized that this could actually help a lot of people and
empower others."
Hilton said she is excited to be using her real voice, instead
of the baby voice that made her famous, to make a difference.
"It's exhausting just to pretend to be like, you have no brain
and you have no idea what's going on. I've done that for so
long.
"I'm not a dumb blond. I'm just very good at pretending to be
one," she said.
(Reporting by Alicia Powell; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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