Paris Hilton, a name synonymous with celebrity culture, has long been one of the most photographed women in the world. Known for her pioneering role in reality TV and social media, Hilton has built a public persona that is both glamorous and enigmatic. Yet, beneath the surface, she reveals a side that is less visible to the public eye: a shy and introspective individual.
“I’m actually very shy,” the 44-year-old DJ, designer, and businesswoman admits. “When I tell people that, they’re like, ‘you are not shy’, they don’t believe me. But I’ve always been a very shy person.” This revelation comes as a surprise to many, especially considering her high-profile career that often places her in the limelight.
Facing Stage Fright and Finding Her Voice
Despite her shyness, Hilton has embraced the stage, performing alongside music icons like Miley Cyrus and Sia. She recalls the nerves she felt before her first concert, a feeling that was both daunting and exhilarating. “Being nervous is a good thing,” she says. “It just means you care. Now every time I get on stage, I’m like, this is my happy place.”
Her husband, entrepreneur Carter Reum, witnessed this transformation firsthand. Hilton describes a moment of realization during a performance, telling Reum, “This is what I was born to do, this is what I love to do, this is the best night of my life.”
Music as a Lifeline
Hilton’s latest venture, Infinite Icon, a documentary film accompanying her 2024 studio album, delves into her deep connection with music. Released 18 years after her debut album Paris, this project is a testament to her evolution as an artist. For Hilton, music has been more than just a career; it has been a source of solace during challenging times.
As a teenager, Hilton attended boarding schools that were often reformatory in nature. She recalls these experiences with pain, noting that music was her escape. “The one thing that would be an escape for me, that would just make me forget about any intrusive thoughts or any trauma, would be music,” she explains.
“Music has such power, where you can hear a lyric and a song, and it can change your mood or even change your life.”
Advocacy and Making a Difference
Hilton’s advocacy work has become a significant part of her identity. In 2021, she testified before the Utah State Legislature, campaigning for increased oversight of youth residential treatment centers. Her efforts continued in Washington D.C., where she advocated for child welfare improvements. Her work contributed to the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act in 2023.
“I hope that people remember me not just for beauty or fashion, but for using my voice to make a difference,” Hilton states. Her advocacy has been transformative, not only for those she aims to help but also for herself. “It’s been so healing, and it’s just transformed my life in so many ways.”
The Evolution of Paris Hilton
Born into the Hilton hotel dynasty, Paris Hilton has worn many hats: model, reality TV star, author, and now a DJ and singer. Her public persona has often been a subject of scrutiny, but Hilton has used her platform to challenge stereotypes and redefine her image.
“For so long, I was playing the character I thought the world wanted,” she reflects. “I was just a young girl discovering who I was, but with the whole world watching and judging.” Her memoir provided an opportunity to reflect on her life and the treatment of young women in the public eye.
Today, Hilton’s brand is a multimedia empire, estimated to be worth $US400 million. Her ventures span from lifestyle goods to cosmetics, showcasing her business acumen. Yet, despite her success, Hilton remains grounded, focusing on her family and personal growth.
“The power of being vulnerable and being real, even when it’s scary, even when it’s hard, it really has a domino effect.”
Looking Forward
In an era dominated by digital fame, Hilton continues to be a prominent figure. Her use of social media has allowed her to reclaim her narrative, sharing her story on her terms. “For so much of my life, my story has been told by other people,” she says. “The power, and taking back my voice, was something that was really important to me.”
As she balances her roles as a businesswoman, mother, and advocate, Hilton reflects on her journey with a sense of fulfillment. “I feel like my inner child has been healed in so many ways, especially just in the past few years, discovering who I really am.”
Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir is set to release in selected cinemas from January 30, offering audiences a glimpse into the multifaceted life of Paris Hilton.
