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Paris Hilton recalls being ‘force-fed medications, sexually abused by staff’

The heiress has delivered emotional testimony at Capitol Hill, revealing her traumatic experiences at an American school.

Thursday, June 27 | Top stories | From the Newsroom

Paris Hilton recalled being “sexually abused” and “force-fed medications” by Provo Canyon School staff as a teen while testifying at Capitol Hill about the abuse children experience in America’s welfare system.

“I know from personal experience the harm that is caused by being placed in youth residential treatment facilities,” the Paris In Love star, 43, said in her opening statement to Congress in Washington, DC, Wednesday.

Hilton then recalled how, when she was just 16 years old, she was “ripped” from her bed and transported to Provo Canyon School in Utah, where she was meant to be rehabilitated for her rebellious behaviour.

“These programs promised healing, growth and support, but instead did not allow me to speak, move freely or even look out a window for two years,” she explained.

Paris Hilton delivered a testimony at the House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on "Strengthening Child Welfare and Protecting Americas Children". Picture: Samuel Corum/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP
Paris Hilton delivered a testimony at the House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on "Strengthening Child Welfare and Protecting Americas Children". Picture: Samuel Corum/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP

Hilton then alleged, “I was force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff” before revealing more traumatic details.

“I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked and thrown into solitary confinement,” the Simple Life star added.

Hilton, as she has done in the past, did not place blame on her parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton, for enrolling her in the boarding school because she claimed they were “deceived” and “manipulated.”

Hilton revealed the trauma she faced at a school in Utah. Picture: Samuel Corum/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP
Hilton revealed the trauma she faced at a school in Utah. Picture: Samuel Corum/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP
The Hiltons: Nicky, Kathy, Rick and Paris, pictured in 2004. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
The Hiltons: Nicky, Kathy, Rick and Paris, pictured in 2004. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The socialite — who shares 1-year-old son, Phoenix, and 7-month-old daughter, London, with husband Carter Reum — then advocated for foster and adopted youth who feel “forgotten.”

The Stars Are Blind singer pointed out how several of these kids don’t have parents “regularly checking in on them,” allowing for fatal and tragic incidents like the death of Cornelius Fredericks.

“As a mum, these stories break my heart,” Paris added. “The treatment these kids have had to endure is criminal. … I will not stop until America’s youth is safe.”

In 2020, the reality star first opened up about her past abuse in her documentary, This Is Paris.

She claimed at the time that staff at Provo Canyon School would allegedly “bully” her and be “physically abusive,” including allegedly hitting and strangling students.

Hilton with her son Phoenix. Picture: Instagram
Hilton with her son Phoenix. Picture: Instagram

Universal Health Services, which owns Provo Canyon School, tells Page Six Wednesday that the facility was sold by its previous ownership in August 2000 and they therefore “cannot comment on the operations or student experience prior to that time.”

However, several former students, including Kat von D, have backed Paris’ claims, with the famed tattoo artist, 42, alleging she had the “most traumatic six months” of her life at the facility.

Paris — who has called for the school’s closure — added to Congress Wednesday, “It has caused me severe post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma that I will have for the rest of my life.”

This story originally appeared on New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Paris Hilton recalls being ‘force-fed medications, sexually abused by staff’

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/paris-hilton-recalls-being-forcefed-medications-sexually-abused-by-staff/news-story/a972b6d3b6bf06c6b8fe6d0b9673023d