Paris Hilton is in the news again. This time, though, it’s for a very good reason. The celebrity socialite was at Capitol Hill to offer an account of her time spent at Provo Canyon School in Utah. As she described her harrowing ordeal as a 16-year-old placed in America’s youth residential treatment facilities, the stunningly beautiful and now highly successful entrepreneur re-captured the hearts of the nation.
Paris Hilton’s Traumatic Experience
Although best known for her glamorous lifestyle and her stint as a big-league reality TV star, Hilton’s teen years were very different. At the time, residential rehabilitation must have seemed like a godsend to those worried about this obviously troubled teen. As it was, she described being pulled from her bed and taken to Provo Canyon. It should have changed her life for the better, instead it was a brutal two-year ordeal that left her with severe post-traumatic stress.
Although the Provo Canyon School programs promised troubled young people healing and support, Hilton’s account suggests this was far from the truth. She was there to describe her own first-hand experiences directly to Capitol Hill. It was an emotional testimony.
Ms. Hilton recounted how medication was given by force, and left in solitary confinement. She talked about the sexual abuse by staff members and how she hadn’t been allowed to speak, go where she pleased or even look out of the window. Her frank and open testimony stunned the congressional audience. Here was a woman, who as a young teen in crisis had been violently restrained, dragged around, stripped naked and confined.
A Mother’s Perspective
The moment not only shed light on Hilton’s struggles, it also shed light on the troubles of all the other adults who, as vulnerable teenagers in need of help, had been subjected to similar treatment at Provo Canyon.
43-year-old Paris has two children with husband Carter Reum; Phoenix, who is one, and 7 months old, London. She described how motherhood had deepened her perspective. The stories she heard broke her heart, she told the tear-eyed audience, her voice trembling with emotion.
Hilton was giving her testimony as a parent, advocating for young people, those in the care system who fall between the cracks and those left vulnerable to abuse and neglect by the lack of parental oversight.
Paris Hilton Is Determined To Make A Difference
She is determined to make a difference, declaring she will not stop until America’s youth is safe. Her words not only shook the audience, but they rallied support for changes in the troubled teen industry.
Hilton first talked about her Provo experiences on ‘This is Paris’ in 2020. Her accounts have been verified by former students, including renowned tattoo artist Kat Von D. She described her time at Provo Canyon School as the most traumatic six months of her life.
Hilton’s testimony reignited calls for reform and better oversight of youth treatment centers, as she has renewed her commitment to changing the lives of vulnerable children across America.
