Family, abuse, DJ career: The biggest Paris Hilton documentary revelations

“Something happened in my childhood that I never talked about with anyone,” stated hotel heiress & tabloid celebutante Paris Hilton. In This is Paris, a YouTube Originals documentary premiering September 14, Hilton opens up for the first time about secret abuse, romantic relationships, childhood trauma, and her famous wealthy family. 

The 39-year-old DJ and businesswoman is often portrayed as a ditzy blonde rich girl; however, the new documentary reveals more than meets the eye.  This is Paris explores Hilton’s personal experiences, while her mother Kathy and sister Nicky offer insight. 

Nightmare

One of the biggest revelations begins with Hilton’s alleged abuse she endured at Provo Canyon School in Utah as a teen: 

“I still have nightmares about it. I wish I could bring, like, a camera into my dreams, and, like, show you what it’s like. It’s terrifying. And I relive that every night. I experienced it and to this day I am still traumatized and I think the only way to have these nightmares stop is to do something about it.”

While attending Provo Canyon as a teenager, Hilton claimed to have suffered abuse including strangulation and being locked in rooms while being yelled at. Hilton stated she would be prescribed unknown pills that made her tired and numb; Hilton had been caught hiding the pills and was severely punished. 

“I feel like a lot of the people who worked there got off on torturing children and seeing them naked,” she said.

Provo Canyon has been sold and is under new ownership, fortunately; but unfortunately, statements can’t be taken from the school regarding the past abuse allegations. Hilton spent a year at Provo before returning to New York, where she felt “traumatized”. Paris stated that the anger she developed turned into personal drive for success, which made her stronger – but also caused anxiety. 

Paris chose not to tell her family what happened during her stay at Provo Canyon; however, after meeting fellow survivors and friends from her Provo days, she decided to tell her mother the truth. After speaking out about her traumatic experience Paris explained why she waited:

“I wanted to do something, but at the same time I didn’t want to hurt my brand,” she said. “I can’t have this be part of my business, and people won’t understand. But if I don’t do this, it’s going to continue to happen and I’m going to continue being traumatized and think about it the rest of my life.”

Addicted

Although Paris Hilton’s teenage years may have seemed extravagant via the media, life behind closed doors life was not very fun. Hilton stated that moving to New York made her “addicted to the nightlife” – causing her family distress. 

“She was afraid she could run into a predator, get kidnapped. Fear, to me, is the most powerful feeling there is. More than pain, more than love, more than hate, more than light, fear. And I thought this was the worst mistake ever, moving here. I gotta get her out of here . . . . Finally, I locked her in her room,” Paris’s mother Kathy recalled.

Paris Hilton’s wild behavior led her parents to send her away to boarding school, causing Paris to feel she was being “hidden” by her status-obsessed family.

Serious trust issues

Given Paris Hilton’s beauty & wealth, it’s a surprise to remember she as yet remains unmarried. Looking back at her long relationship history – including three broken engagements – one can only wonder, “Why?” The question is answered in This is Paris when the socialite opened up about her romantic history centering around physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.

Hilton addressed the infamous sex tape she made when she was 19 years old as she recalled the feeling of “being electronically raped”. Included in the tape is Rick Salomon, her first serious boyfriend, whom she “wanted to make happy”. Throughout This is Paris, Hilton discusses her insomnia problem, marriage, children, and just about every personal aspect of her life. 

“I just want to be Paris.”

Although she comes from a family line of wealth, it’s clear Hilton doesn’t want to rely on her family fortune, but instead follow the dream of becoming a billionaire on her own terms. “I just wanted to be independent, make a name for myself and build my brand,” Paris revealed. “I knew that would be the ultimate freedom.

“My mom wanted me to be a Hilton. And I just wanted to be Paris.” 

From abuse to family life, This is Paris portrays Paris Hilton as more than just a social-media-obsessed blonde – but as a human being who can suffer from everyday life experiences as much as anyone.