Paris Hilton, a name synonymous with the glitz and glamour of early 2000s reality television, has transformed her public persona into one of advocacy and empowerment. Despite her image as a social media trailblazer and reality TV pioneer, Hilton reveals a side of herself that many might find surprising: her shyness.
“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.” Her confession comes as she reflects on her journey from being a media spectacle to finding her voice on stage and in advocacy.
From Stage Fright to Finding Her Voice
Hilton’s stage presence, often shared with music collaborators like Miley Cyrus and Sia, has been a journey of overcoming nerves. “They both looked at me, and they’re like, ‘Paris, it’s so normal, we’ve been doing this our whole lives and we get nervous every time we go on stage too’,” she recalls. The experience has been transformative, turning her stage fright into a source of joy and fulfillment.
Her latest project, Infinite Icon, a documentary film accompanying her 2024 studio album, marks a significant milestone in her musical career. Produced with Australian pop star Sia, the album blends dance-pop with French house and synth-pop influences, showcasing Hilton’s evolution as an artist.
Music as a Lifeline
Music has played a crucial role in Hilton’s life, serving as an escape during her troubled teenage years. Sent to reformatory boarding schools, she found solace in music. “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,” Hilton shares.
Her advocacy work began in earnest in 2021 when she testified before the Utah State Legislature, campaigning for increased oversight of youth residential treatment centers. This was followed by appearances in Washington DC, advocating for child welfare improvements and playing a pivotal role in passing the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act through Congress.
“I hope that people remember me not just for beauty or fashion… I hope people remember me for using my voice to make a difference,” Hilton says.
Transforming a Public Persona
Hilton’s journey from a reality TV star to a respected advocate is a testament to her resilience. The great-granddaughter of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton, she has built a multimedia empire worth an estimated $US400 million, encompassing lifestyle goods, cosmetics, and a successful fragrance line.
Her memoir, Paris: The Memoir, and podcast, I am Paris, offer deeper insights into her life, reflecting on the pressures of living under constant public scrutiny. “For so long, I was playing the character I thought the world wanted,” she reflects. The memoir provided a platform to reassess her life and the treatment of young women in the public eye.
The Power of Vulnerability
Hilton’s decision to share her story has inspired others to do the same. “I was at Brittany’s wedding, Selena [Gomez] came up to me and she told me that she watched my documentary… it made me feel like I could tell my story too,” Hilton recounts. Her openness has encouraged a broader conversation about authenticity and vulnerability in an era dominated by curated social media personas.
Despite her fame, Hilton remains grounded, focusing on her family and her children, Phoenix and London. “I look at my daughter, and I just wanted to give her the best life where she’ll never feel the way that I did when I was little,” she says.
As Infinite Icon prepares for its release, Hilton’s journey from a shy girl to a powerful advocate continues to inspire. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of music and advocacy to heal and empower.
Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir will be in selected cinemas from January 30.
