Paris Hilton Unveils: From 'Bimbo' to Badass, A Decade of Misogyny Exposed
PARIS HILTON UNLEASHES HER TRUE SELF: THE REALITY BEHIND HER TABLOID TORTURE
It's been two decades since Paris Hilton rose to fame as a socialite and reality TV star, but now she's speaking out about the dark side of her rise to stardom. In an explosive interview with I-D magazine, the 44-year-old heiress reveals the harsh realities of being a tabloid darling in the early 2000s.
The blonde bombshell recalls the constant barrage of negative press and how it took a toll on her mental health. "During the 2000s, the media was so misogynistic," she explains. "They would target certain girls, and there was a small group of us that they would constantly berate and abuse." Hilton names her fellow celebrities Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan as part of this group, who were often mocked by the press.
The infamous "Bimbo Summit" photo, taken in 2006 outside The Beverly Hills Hotel, is a stark reminder of the era's tabloid culture. The image, which features Hilton, Lohan, and Spears looking carefree and glamorous, was captioned by the New York Post as "Bimbo Summit." For Hilton, this photo serves as a painful reminder of how she was misrepresented.
"It was extremely difficult to grow up in that way, having those few people who controlled the media control our storylines," Hilton says. "For so long, no matter what I did in my life, or how much I had accomplished, people only saw me as The Simple Life character." She admits that she felt trapped by her public image and longed to show the world there was more to her.
In addition to speaking out about the media's mistreatment of her and her friends, Hilton also opens up about a traumatic experience from her past. At just 12 years old, she was sent to a boarding school in London, where she claims she was subjected to sleep deprivation and bullying.
"Rebellious types slept on mattresses in the hall with the lights on and doors open," she recounts. "Staff came along once in a while to poke us to make sure we were breathing—or just because—so I never really slept." Hilton describes her experience as being in a "weird, twitchy state of semi-consciousness" and reveals that even now, she has nightmares about being watched.
But Hilton's bravery in sharing this story is not just therapeutic – it's also liberating. "It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders," she says. "I feel like I can just be me and sparkle. It’s been life-changing."
Hilton's newfound sense of self-confidence is palpable as she reflects on her journey to becoming the strong woman she is today. "I’m so proud of what I’ve been through, and it’s been extremely therapeutic and healing," she says.
The I-D magazine interview is a must-read for anyone who wants to get inside Hilton's head and understand the complexities of her public persona. With its candid insights into her personal struggles and triumphs, this article is sure to spark conversations about the impact of tabloid culture on celebrities and their mental health.
As Hilton looks back on two decades in the spotlight, she's come out stronger than ever – and she's not afraid to share her story with the world. In her own words, "I’m so proud of the strong woman I am, and it’s been an incredible journey."
Get your copy of I-D magazine's fall/winter issue 375 at newsstands and specialty stores from September 22 or pre-order online now at i-d.co