Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Paris Hilton

Public opinion and media debates around Paris Hilton—discover key moments of controversy.

Paris Hilton, an American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman, gained initial notoriety in the late 1990s as part of New York City's social scene. Her modeling career began in 2000, leading to the title of "New York's leading It Girl" in 2001. Hilton achieved widespread fame through the reality TV show The Simple Life (2003–2007), co-starring Nicole Richie, and the controversial release of a sex tape, 1 Night in Paris (2004). She is also the great-granddaughter of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

2001: Hilton Dates Rick Salomon

In 2001, Paris Hilton dated poker player Rick Salomon, with whom she filmed her sex tape.

December 2003: Premiere of The Simple Life

Shortly before the December 2003 premiere of The Simple Life, a scandal involving Paris Hilton's sex tape arose, which significantly increased her global fame and media attention.

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2003: Criticism in The New York Times

In 2003, John Leland wrote in The New York Times that Paris Hilton's rise to fame demonstrated how far celebrity itself had been devalued.

2003: The Simple Life and Sex Tape Leak

In 2003, Paris Hilton co-starred in 'The Simple Life' with Nicole Richie, and a sex tape with Rick Salomon was leaked.

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2003: Sex tape leaked and lawsuits filed

In 2003, a sex tape featuring Paris Hilton and Rick Salomon was leaked online before the premiere of "The Simple Life". Salomon sued the distribution company and the Hilton family, accusing them of defamation. Hilton also sued the company, Kahatani Ltd., for US$30 million, citing privacy violation and emotional distress.

April 2004: Salomon distributes "1 Night in Paris"

In April 2004, Rick Salomon began distributing the sex tape, titled "1 Night in Paris", himself through Red Light District Video, an adult film company.

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July 2004: Lawsuit dropped, settlement reached

In July 2004, Rick Salomon dropped his lawsuit against the Hilton family after Paris Hilton's privacy lawsuit was dismissed. Salomon and Red Light District Video agreed to pay Hilton US$400,000 plus a percentage of the tape's sale profit.

2004: 1 Night in Paris Release

In 2004, the sex tape from 2003 featuring Paris Hilton and Rick Salomon was released as '1 Night in Paris'.

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September 7, 2006: Hilton arrested for DUI

On September 7, 2006, Paris Hilton was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), with a blood alcohol content of 0.08%.

November 2006: Hilton's driver's license suspended

In November 2006, Paris Hilton's driver's license was suspended following her DUI arrest.

2006: Second-Worst Celebrity Role Model and Most Overexposed by Forbes

In 2006, Paris Hilton was named the second-worst celebrity role model in a poll and ranked as the most "overexposed" celebrity by Forbes.

2006: Banksy Reworks Hilton's Album

In 2006, street artist Banksy replaced 500 copies of Paris Hilton's album in 48 record shops across the United Kingdom with his own alternative version, featuring remixes produced by himself and Danger Mouse and satirical song titles.

January 22, 2007: Hilton pleads no contest to reckless driving

On January 22, 2007, Paris Hilton pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge. She was sentenced to 36 months' probation and fines totaling approximately US$1,500.

February 19, 2007: Associated Press reporting ban

The Associated Press attempted to not mention Paris Hilton for the week of February 19, 2007, in response to media over-saturation.

February 27, 2007: Hilton stopped for driving with suspended license

On February 27, 2007, Paris Hilton was stopped for driving with a suspended license and signed an agreement not to drive.

May 4, 2007: Hilton sentenced to jail for probation violation

On May 4, 2007, Paris Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail by Judge Michael T. Sauer for violating her probation.

June 5, 2007: Hilton begins jail term

On June 5, 2007, Paris Hilton began her jail term at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California.

June 7, 2007: Hilton resentenced to home confinement

On June 7, 2007, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca ordered Paris Hilton to be resentenced to 40 days of home confinement with electronic monitoring due to a medical condition.

June 2007: Gallup Poll: Unsympathetic public opinion

According to a June 2007 Gallup poll, nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) felt very unsympathetic toward Paris Hilton.

June 26, 2007: Mika Brzezinski refuses to report Hilton's release from jail

On June 26, 2007, Mika Brzezinski refused to read a report about Paris Hilton's release from jail on the broadcast of Morning Joe.

June 29, 2007: Us Weekly publishes "100% Paris-Free" issue

On June 29, 2007, Us Weekly published its first "100% Paris-Free" issue, reflecting the media's attempt to reduce coverage of Paris Hilton.

September 6, 2007: Injunction lawsuit against Hallmark Cards Inc.

On September 6, 2007, Paris Hilton filed an injunction lawsuit against Hallmark Cards Inc. for using her picture and catchphrase "That's hot" without permission on a greeting card.

November 2007: Ranked among most unfriendly celebrities by children

In November 2007, an online survey of children conducted by E-Poll Market Research ranked Paris Hilton among the most unfriendly celebrities among children.

August 2008: Lawsuit for Pledge This! Promotion

In August 2008, Worldwide Entertainment Group sued Paris Hilton at the Miami District Court, alleging she did not fulfill her contractual agreement to provide promotion for the film 'Pledge This!'.

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2008: Forbes ranking as the most overexposed celebrity

Despite attempts to reduce coverage, Forbes ranked Paris Hilton as the most "overexposed" celebrity for a second time in 2008.

2008: Most Overexposed Celebrity by Forbes

In 2008, Forbes ranked Paris Hilton as the most "overexposed" celebrity for a second time.

2008: House burgled by Bling Ring

In 2008, Paris Hilton's house was burgled by the Bling Ring.

2008: Response to McCain ad

In 2008, after being compared to Barack Obama in a John McCain presidential campaign ad, Paris Hilton responded with a Funny or Die video entitled Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Ad, receiving worldwide press coverage.

2009: House burgled by Bling Ring

In 2009, Paris Hilton's house was burgled by the Bling Ring.

July 2, 2010: Hilton accused of smoking marijuana at FIFA World Cup

On July 2, 2010, Paris Hilton was accused of smoking marijuana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup game in South Africa. She was escorted from the stadium, but the case was later dismissed.

August 2010: Nathan Lee Parada arrested outside Hilton's house

In August 2010, Nathan Lee Parada was arrested outside Paris Hilton's house after security spotted him wielding two knives.

August 27, 2010: Hilton arrested for cocaine possession

On August 27, 2010, Paris Hilton was arrested by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of cocaine possession. Her boyfriend, Cy Waits, was charged with driving under the influence.

September 17, 2010: Hilton pleads guilty to misdemeanors

On September 17, 2010, to avoid a felony conviction, Paris Hilton pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors for cocaine possession. She was sentenced to one year of probation, 200 hours of community service, a US$2,000 fine, and completion of a drug-abuse treatment program.

September 21, 2010: Hilton detained in Japan due to drug conviction

On September 21, 2010, Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky were stopped by immigration officers at Narita Airport in Japan due to Hilton's drug-possession conviction. They were detained overnight.

October 2010: James Rainford arrested for trespassing at Hilton's house

In October 2010, James Rainford was arrested for trespassing at Paris Hilton's house. He was given three years' probation and a restraining order.

April 2011: James Rainford attacks Cy Waits

In April 2011, James Rainford was arrested a second time for attacking Cy Waits, Paris Hilton's boyfriend, outside Van Nuys Superior Court.

2011: Most Unpopular Celebrity with Americans

In 2011, an Ipsos poll concluded that Paris Hilton was the most unpopular celebrity with Americans, with 60 percent of respondents viewing her unfavorably.

September 20, 2012: Audio of homophobic comments leaked

On September 20, 2012, an audio recording of Paris Hilton allegedly making homophobic comments was leaked online, leading to a backlash and subsequent apology through GLAAD.

2012: Forbes Ranking as Overexposed Celebrity

In 2012, Forbes ranked Paris Hilton as the fifth most overexposed celebrity.

November 2013: "Obsessed fan" flies banner over Malibu

In November 2013, an "obsessed fan" flew a plane over Malibu with banners expressing admiration for Paris Hilton and asking to court her.

2013: Hilton claims no profit from sex tape

In 2013, Paris Hilton claimed that she never made any money from her sex tape, stating she earns enough from her fragrance line.

2013: International Paris Hilton Day Discontinued

In 2013, the International Paris Hilton Day celebration was permanently discontinued due to controversial comments made by Paris Hilton the previous year.

October 2014: Man with Hilton tattoos arrested near her home

In October 2014, Lukas Redanz, a man covered in tattoos of Paris Hilton, was arrested after going to her gated community.

December 2014: Hilton receives anti-Semitic messages and threats

In December 2014, Paris Hilton reported to the Los Angeles Police Department receiving anti-Semitic messages and threats on social media.

2014: Forbes Ranking as Overexposed Celebrity

In 2014, Forbes ranked Paris Hilton as the eighth most overexposed celebrity.

2015: Identity theft scheme begins

In 2015, Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan began an identity theft scheme targeting Paris Hilton, using her credit cards and impersonating her in emails.

2015: Fan poses as a flower delivery man.

In 2015, a fan reportedly posed as a flower deliveryman to gain access to her gated community, where he left her a classic Cadillac.

2017: Bkhchadzhyan arrested and sentenced for identity theft

In 2017, Paytsar Bkhchadzhyan was arrested and later sentenced to 57 months in prison for her identity theft scheme against Paris Hilton.

October 9, 2020: Rally outside Provo Canyon School

On October 9, 2020, Paris Hilton held a rally outside Provo Canyon School in Utah to protest alleged abuse at the school and other programs for troubled teens.

February 8, 2021: Testimony before the Utah State Legislature

On February 8, 2021, Paris Hilton testified before the Utah State Legislature in support of a measure requiring more oversight of youth residential treatment centers, recounting her experiences of abuse at Provo Canyon School.

2022: Testimony before the United States House Committee on Ways and Means

In 2022, Paris Hilton appeared before the United States House Committee on Ways and Means to testify on behalf of measures to improve child welfare in the United States.

2023: Backing of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act

In 2023, Paris Hilton joined members of Congress in supporting the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which aims to improve oversight and transparency for youth treatment programs. The bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden.