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 behavior.
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“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.
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” alum added.
Hilton, as she has done in the past, did not place blame on her parents, Rick Hilton and Kathy Hilton, for enrolling her in the boarding school because she claimed they were “deceived” and “manipulated.”
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 mom, 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.
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.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
