In her 2020 documentary This Is Paris, Paris Hilton opened up about the abuse she allegedly experienced while staying at a residential treatment center in her teenage years, and now, she's speaking out again — this time, on Capitol Hill. On Wednesday, Paris testified in front of Congress in Washington, DC, about the horrors she faced at Provo Canyon School, doing so to help give a voice to children who are harmed by the American welfare system.
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Paris spoke before Congress on Wednesday.
As Page Six reported, Paris began her opening statement by sharing that she wanted to speak to the "harm that is caused by being placed in youth residential treatment facilities." This includes Provo Canyon School, where she said she was "ripped" from her bed and forced to attend at the age of 16.
She pointed out that these facilities may not be offering kids what parents believe they are.
"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 said, adding that she was "force-fed medications and sexually abused by the staff" during her time there.
She believes her parents sent her there because they were 'deceived.'
She continued to detail the treatment she says she received at the school in her testimony, adding, "I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked, and thrown into solitary confinement."
Now, she's hoping she can use her horrifying experience to help others.
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Since becoming a mother, this mission has become even more important to her.
"As a mom, these stories break my heart. The treatment these kids have had to endure is criminal," she said. "I will not stop until America’s youth is safe."
Paris is mom to two kids with husband Carter Reum: son Phoenix, 1, and daughter London, 7 months.
People are praising Paris for speaking up.
"As someone who had multiple friends put into the for profit tough love youth treatment industry, some of whom have since committed suicide, I think Paris Hilton’s work is heroic. She deserves credit for using her platform to fight for troubled kids and the families who love them," one person tweeted.
Another wrote, "Paris is an incredible person who cares about the welfare of others. I’m proud of you, Paris."
