Paris Hilton to Congress: "I was force fed medications and sexually abused"
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Paris Hilton arrives to testify at a House Committee on Ways and Means hearing on June 26. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Paris Hilton testified to federal lawmakers Wednesday about the horrifying abuse she says she endured at youth facilities in what's commonly known as the "troubled teen" industry.
Why it matters: Hilton has become a staunch advocate in recent years for better protections for children in youth facilities, with her high-profile appearance on Capitol Hill shedding further light on the alleged abuse that young people have experienced in these programs.
The big picture: Hilton has previously spoken out about the abuse she alleges she experienced at four different youth facilities as a teen, including sexual abuse.
- "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 told the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.
- "I was force fed medications and sexually abused by the staff. I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked and thrown into solitary confinement," Hilton said.
- Her parents, she added, were "completely deceived" about the treatment she was getting.
The Provo Canyon School, one of the institutions Hilton attended, previously responded to the allegations by saying it was under different ownership before 2000. "We therefore cannot comment on the operations or student experience prior to that time," the school said.
- "What we can say is that the school provides a structured environment teaching life-skills, providing behavioral health therapy, and continuing education for youth who come to us with pre-existing and complex emotional, behavioral and psychiatric needs," the school added.
- Other former residents have made similar allegations to Hilton's about their time at the school, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
State of play: Hilton expressed support for the committee's bipartisan effort to reauthorize Title IV-B of the Social Security Act — a child welfare act — which expired in 2021.
- She highlighted the need to "invest in kinship care," saying that "youth should be with family or adults who know and love them."
- Hilton also called on Congress to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which aims to strengthen oversight of residential youth programs.
Flashback: This isn't the first time Hilton has come to Capitol Hill to advocate for stronger protections for residents at youth facilities.
- She did so back in 2021, to advocate for a "Bill of Rights" for children in youth facilities.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
