Paris Hilton gives evidence to Congress about school abuse
Paris Hilton told Congress on Wednesday (26.06.24) that her school experiences have left her with "severe post-traumatic stress disorder".
Paris Hilton told Congress her school experiences have left her with "severe post-traumatic stress disorder" on Wednesday (26.06.24).
The 43-year-old socialite alleged in 2020 that she had been subjected to "verbal, physical, emotional and psychological" torture whilst a student at Provo Canyon - a psychiatric youth residential facility - in Utah, and she has now recalled being "sexually abused" and "force-fed medications" as she testified about the abuse children experience in the US' welfare systems.
Paris said in her opening statement: “I know from personal experience the harm that is caused by being placed in youth residential treatment facilities...
“It has caused me severe post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma that I will have for the rest of my life.”
The 'Stars Are Blind' singer told how she was "ripped" from her bed at the age of 16 and taken to the boarding school to be rehabilitated for her rebellious behaviour, but the reality of her days in the facility were tough.
She said: “These programmes promised healing, growth and support, but instead did not allow me to speak, move freely or even look out a window for two years.
“I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff.
“I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked and thrown into solitary confinement."
Paris insisted she didn't blame her parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton, for enrolling her in the school because she felt they had been "deceived" and "manipulated".
She said: “My parents were completely deceived, lied to and manipulated by this for-profit industry about the inhumane treatment I was experiencing.”
The 'Paris in Love' star - who has 17-month-old Phoenix and London, seven months, with husband Carter Reum - then spoke out for young people in foster care and adoption who feel "forgotten", noting how some don't have parents "regularly checking in on them", which can lead to tragic incidents.
Paris stressed how children caught in the welfare system without their own parents need someone to “regularly check in on them.”
She added: “As a mom, these stories break my heart.
“The treatment these kids have had to endure is criminal. … I will not stop until America’s youth is safe.
“If you are a child in the system, hear my words: I see you. I believe you. I know what you’re going through, and I won’t give up on you.
“You are important, your future is important, and you deserve every opportunity to be safe and supported.”
