Paris Hilton Fights To End Child Abuse: "I Won’t Stop Fighting Until Change Is Made"

Paris Hilton is not the heartless blonde The Simple Life painted her to be – she’s actually a passionate advocate for children’s rights.

Recently, she took to Capitol Hill to deliver a speech urging the House to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, a bill designed to safeguard children from abuse in treatment centers. Hilton herself underwent abuse as a teen in a residential treatment facility. As she shared in a tweet, “Yesterday at Capitol Hill, I gave a speech urging the House to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act—a bill that would protect children from the same trauma I endured.”

This trip, she added, was especially meaningful because she had her son Phoenix by her side: “He and my daughter London are a huge part of my motivation in fighting for children’s rights. I want them to know that their mom is making sure that the world a safer place for every child.” With the Senate already on board, Paris says "now it’s time for the House to act.” 

In 2020, Paris Hilton released her documentary, This Is Paris, where she revealed the gut-wrenching abuse she endured as a teenager at Provo Canyon School in Utah. The heiress described being forcibly restrained, overmedicated, sexually abused, and isolated. Her story is just one of countless experiences shared by kids in institutional treatment programs and facilities that claim to “help troubled teens.” 

Hilton has been vocal about the urgency of this bill. In her recent open letter, she wrote, “To Leader Scalise, Speaker Johnson, and every member of the House: I urge you to think about the children who can’t speak for themselves. They’re relying on us—on you—to stand up for their safety and dignity.”

Hilton got the news that the Senate had passed the bill after advocating for so long. She told ABC News she and her sister were “bawling, in tears, just so proud and so happy.”

“I Won’t Stop Fighting”

Hilton has taken multiple trips to Capitol Hill, meeting with senators, representatives, and even President Biden’s policy team. She’s testified before Congress, recounting her Provo experience in painful detail. At one point, she said, “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.”

Senators Jeff Merkley, John Cornyn, and others have praised Hilton’s relentless efforts. It’s admirable watching a celebrity use their platforms for a good cause. And as a new mom to son Phoenix and daughter London, I’m sure she’s even more motivated to protect all children. Hilton told ABC News, “I won’t stop fighting until change is made. This is my lifelong mission.”

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