http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=3264588&page=1

EXCLUSIVE: Hilton Calls Barbara Walters From Jail -- 'God Has Released Me'

She 'Was Severely Depressed and Felt as If I Was in a Cage,' but now Has 'New Chance'

By BARBARA WALTERS

On Sunday at 3 p.m., Paris Hilton phoned me collect from jail. Prisoners must call collect.

The unusual conversation came about because Kathy Hilton, Paris' mother, had phoned me, and while we were talking, Paris called on the other line. When she heard I was talking to her mother, she said she'd like to talk to me herself.

She sounded tired but totally aware of what she was saying.

"How are you?" I asked.

Paris answered, "I'm hanging in there." But she declared, "I feel as if I'm a different person. I've dropped my appeal. I don't want to cause any more problems."

I asked what happened in the jail that led to her being released or reassigned to her home. She said she had not been wailing, sobbing or screaming as had been described.

"But," she said, "I was not eating or sleeping. I was severely depressed and felt as if I was in a cage. I was not myself. It was a horrible experience."

"How are you different?" I asked.

"I'm not the same person I was," she said. "I used to act dumb. It was an act. I am 26 years old, and that act is no longer cute. It is not who I am, nor do I want to be that person for the young girls who looked up to me. I know now that I can make a difference, that I have the power to do that. I have been thinking that I want to do different things when I am out of here. I have become much more spiritual. God has given me this new chance."

I asked what kinds of things she might want to do.

She said she would like to help in the fields of breast cancer her grandmother had breast cancer or multiple sclerosis. Her father's mother suffers from that disease.

She thought she might get toy companies to build a kind of Paris Hilton playhouse, where sick children might come, and the toy companies could donate toys.

She has had a person whom she described as a spiritual adviser who said, "My spirit or soul did not like the way I was being seen and that is why I was sent to jail."

"God," she said, "has released me."

She is reading newspapers. The LA Times and the Wall Street Journal and books like "The Secret," "The Power of Now" and the Bible.

When she is not in her room, she can play ping pong. She said the other women had all been friendly and the guards had been fair. She wears the proscribed prison garb: an orange or brown jumpsuit. She is not allowed makeup. She said that her skin was very dry and that she was not allowed cream. "It doesn't matter," she said, "I'm not that superficial girl. I haven't looked in the mirror since I got here."

She said, "I feel that the purpose of my life is to be where I am. However, usually with a situation like mine, the person serves 10 percent of their time. I have already served 30 percent of my time. I hope if there is overcrowding in the jail, I would be let out before someone with a much more serious crime."

Her mother had earlier told me that Paris said, "I will never again have a drink and drive."

No comment. :rolleyes:

Well I'm happy for Paris......but let's see if she'll really stick to the things she said.

I'm happy for Paris too. She's a human being with strengths and weaknesses, just like the rest of us. She's accepted responsibilty and is vowing to turn her life around. Time will tell, but I'm always willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt. I doubt the Hilton lynch mob will be as forgiving.

It sounds like she just might have learned her lesson afterall. Especially the part of it not being cute anymore at age 26. I'm glad to see she's realized that. And I'm glad they're not appealing. I think that's part of what started the "mob". I for one, may not have been as hard on her if it wasn't for all that - it was the acting above the law that really got through to me.

Hopefully we'll see a more mature and focused Paris upon her release. As Janice says, time will tell. Afterall, during the first couple of seasons of The Simple Life, it was Nicole that seemed to be the more out of control girl. After some rough experiences for her, she's matured - so hopefully her BFF has come thru the fire the same way.

Those statements are big to have come from Paris, and after reading that, I have gained a bit of respect towards her. I hope she sticks to them.

Yes, I guess the interesting point is : are the words from her or her press agent??

Yes, I guess the interesting point is : are the words from her or her press agent??
Unless Barbara Walters is lying about talking directly with Paris, then I guess Paris is capable of actually stringing a few sentences together.

Yes, she apparently can and does string a few words together. I don't think she is stupid. However, that does not mean she is the person who thought up and crafted those words.
You seriously believe that she didn't receive any prompting prior to this phone call, that she didn't consult with her press agent? :hello Of couse she did.

Yes, she apparently can and does string a few words together. I don't think she is stupid. However, that does not mean she is the person who thought up and crafted those words.
You seriously believe that she didn't receive any prompting prior to this phone call, that she didn't consult with her press agent? :hello Of couse she did.
And what's the problem with that? Big deal. They all get talking points, including Walters. Petty, jealous, petty, jealous.

Yes, she apparently can and does string a few words together. I don't think she is stupid. However, that does not mean she is the person who thought up and crafted those words.
You seriously believe that she didn't receive any prompting prior to this phone call, that she didn't consult with her press agent? :hello Of couse she did.
Hey, I have no love for the chick myself, but all celebs do have press agents and advisors. It's just the same as a business. No CEO in his right mind makes decisions or speaches for that matter on entirely their own. The business just wouldn't survive. It takes a team. And I think part of her problem was her legal team being so aggressive on trying to get her off, and then get her a shorter term. It pissed the public off even more.

Hey - whatever it took, let's give her some squirming room at least and see what does happen. Maybe she really will change her ways a little. Hopefully she'll soon reach the age where 24/7 partying is no longer all that fun and she'll grow up a bit.

LOL - hell, I thought I was tough on her but she's sure getting the stiletto heal dug into her by you. ;) :lol:

Unless Barbara Walters is lying about talking directly with Paris, then I guess Paris is capable of actually stringing a few sentences together.

? Ok. She is talking for herself?

? Ok. She is talking for herself?
From reading the article, I think we can safely assume that Paris Hilton was speaking for herself. I'm sure she had a few prepared statements, but that's how it's done. It's quite possible that she and Walters had a pre-interview, who knows. No big deal.

Paris has a great PR team behind her. Probably her words but she was most likely coached. Good to see only a few days behind bars changed her so much. I'll believe it when I see it. Kinda like when she said she was giving up sex and relationships for a year and then was back to dating Starvos a week a later:lol:

originally posted by catlover79:
No comment.


I take it you don't believe her.

lol

You know, I really don't have any ill will towards her.
I would love to see her come out of this a new person, with new awareness of those around her. She is in the position in the world (by circumstance) to make a positive difference if she so chooses, it is a matter of her recognizing that, and acting on it in a positive manner.

well, we'll see if she sticks to it. it sounds genuinine. hopefully she does stick to it.

What a diva. She in there 4 days acting like she found Jesus.

I would like to think that what she is saying is the truth. Experiences like this can act as wake-up calls and change people, and it would be nice if she emerged from this a stronger, better person.

I don't think she's totally bad, myself. She's spoilt, yes, and quite immature, certainly, but I haven't heard anything about her that suggests to me that she is cruel, or has any real malicious intent.

I hope she means what she says.

I would like to think that what she is saying is the truth. Experiences like this can act as wake-up calls and change people, and it would be nice if she emerged from this a stronger, better person.

I don't think she's totally bad, myself. She's spoilt, yes, and quite immature, certainly, but I haven't heard anything about her that suggests to me that she is cruel, or has any real malicious intent.

Well said. Afterall, she is an animal lover and I figure anyone who loves animals can't be all bad.

She sounds like she means it and I hope she does. Like Sharop said I don't think she's a bad person. She's just spoiled and I blame a lot of that on her parents. It wasn't her fault that she was born rich. Sometimes it takes some people longer than others to grow up.

originally posted by catlover79:
No comment.


I take it you don't believe her.
I don't. She knows the press is bad against her and she'll say anything to change it.
Does anyone really think that once she gets out she won't go back to the club scene and become "Paris" again?
Of course, I could be wrong. Maybe she will join a convent.;) ahuh.

What a diva. She in there 4 days acting like she found Jesus.

I agree to a point considering the source but some people have to hit rock bottom before they make lifestyle changes.

Maybe all the bad press and the in and out of jail has forced her to relook at how she appears.

I'll give the benefit of the doubt and think that perhaps this is the place she is at now.

One thing about those I've heard/seen criticise Paris Hilton for partying a lot and not having earned her money - the thing is, I can't help thinking that quite a lot of the people who criticise would probably act in a similar way if they were in her situation.

I mean - if ordinary people had been born into great wealth and didn't need to get a job, how many of them would go and get one? I certainly wouldn't work if I didn't need to. I think a lot of people would be the same way.

And of course, partying is fun, especially for young people, and I'm inclined to believe that if ordinary people had her money and status, then quite a lot of them would go partying. Maybe not to quite the extent that she seems to, but, unless they're the type who just doesn't enjoy going out much, I doubt they'd stay at home all evening.

I agree to a point considering the source but some people have to hit rock bottom before they make lifestyle changes.

Maybe all the bad press and the in and out of jail has forced her to relook at how she appears.

I'll give the benefit of the doubt and think that perhaps this is the place she is at now.
You stole the words right out of my mouth, Lex. That's exactly what was on my mind.

I agree to a point considering the source but some people have to hit rock bottom before they make lifestyle changes.

Maybe all the bad press and the in and out of jail has forced her to relook at how she appears.

I'll give the benefit of the doubt and think that perhaps this is the place she is at now.
Lex, you hit it on the head. Very well put. When she makes that effort, than that is when people will believe her. Maybe she will find something to do with her life rather than throw it away on parties. This girl never graduated from high school (my understanding). My God, you know how many people with less resources than her (waaaay less) work hard at going to school and doing something with their life?

She will have plenty of time to sit and think abt what she did.

I guess I'm a person that has to see it in order to believe it. I think it is great she is vowing to re-evaluate her life and make some changes, but until she's out of jail and putting those ideas in to action, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Also, I just have to say that I don't wish any ill will on Paris. I don't particularly like the way she acts and I don't understand how the hell she became famous, but I don't wish her any harm.

I don't think Paris has to prove herself to anyone. If she wants to party her life away, that's her business. She just has to not drive while she's doing it. She's in her mid-20s, that's when lots of people party anyway. She looks like she's had a few things going on in her life, according to IMDB. Since when did the public become her judge anyway. She's paying her debt to society for her big crime, lol. After that, she's on her own.

The gal's got the looks, the Hilton name, fans (yes she does), 50 million bucks and an inheritance one day that will make her richer beyond anyone's dreams. I doubt she gives a rat's behind if people on message boards call her names.

Before all this, I didn't know the first thing about Paris. After reading about her, she seems like a cool lady. Maybe this jail thing will gain her fans.

Before all this, I didn't know the first thing about Paris. After reading about her, she seems like a cool lady. Maybe this jail thing will gain her fans.

fans of what? her being a socialite and not contributing anything whatsoever to society? paris hilton is such a joke. and i still maintain she looks like a bird.

that being said, i guess it's nice if she means the things that she said. but i agree with whoever said that it is likely that she is being coached. she just manipulates people, and finally she got herself into a situation she can't whore herself out of. well, i hope her and jesus are very happy together.

fans of what? her being a socialite and not contributing anything whatsoever to society? paris hilton is such a joke. and i still maintain she looks like a bird.

that being said, i guess it's nice if she means the things that she said. but i agree with whoever said that it is likely that she is being coached. she just manipulates people, and finally she got herself into a situation she can't whore herself out of. well, i hope her and jesus are very happy together.
I think she's a very pretty girl. You're wrong, she does a lot of charity work, and she has her fans. People who watch her occasional movie, listen to her music or just follow her life. People have followed socialites for years. It's fun! :D

I think she's a very pretty girl. You're wrong, she does a lot of charity work, and she has her fans. People who watch her occasional movie, listen to her music or just follow her life. People have followed socialites for years. It's fun! :D

it's unfortunate that her charity work gets overshadowed by less important things. i can see how people are entertained by her life, it's just not my thing. i just don't really agree with the way she acts. but whatever floats your boat.

I think she's a very pretty girl. You're wrong, she does a lot of charity work, and she has her fans. People who watch her occasional movie, listen to her music or just follow her life. People have followed socialites for years. It's fun! :D
Most of her "fans" are only people who want to read news and gossip about her but also mock and despise her.

now; I'm starting to feel differently about this whole thing. I'm starting to change my mind about her after reading all that stuff she said to Barbera Walters.
It sounds like really sorry for what she's done; and she's finally starting to face reality.

As someone else said; only time will tell if she really means all that and does what she said; but I believe she will.

Most of her "fans" are only people who want to read news and gossip about her but also mock and despise her.
Perhaps some, but they really wouldn't be fans. I know that Paris has a solid fan base who love her. I know this from all the googling I've been doing for this subject. I didn't know the first thing about her less than a week ago. I know one of the cable shows did a biography on her. Does anyone know if it was E! or A&E?

well, i'd like to believe it. she can be pretty goofy. my stand on her has always been kind of unstable. i really think she's an interesting person and i'm actually one of the 3 or 4 people in the world who realize that she's not a whore, however her brattiness and overratedness really get on my nerves sometimes, and it's hard not to make reference to that "stupid spoiled whore" episode of south park.

Paris is sweet shes young rich and in the public eye 24/7 nobodys pervect! lets just hope this makes her grow up for example no drink and driving!! Shes bound to be spoilt aint she her father is rich as gold!!! lol.

Perhaps some, but they really wouldn't be fans. I know that Paris has a solid fan base who love her. I know this from all the googling I've been doing for this subject. I didn't know the first thing about her less than a week ago. I know one of the cable shows did a biography on her. Does anyone know if it was E! or A&E?
I believe the biography you are referring to was on E! channel.

I will admit, I was a fan of her show The Simple Life. Then I watched the second season. I found her to be funny, fun to watch and approachable. She had this flair. It may have been scripted, but I really like how she and Nicole lived with these families and lived "simple lives". Seeing these girls drive around in an old truck, and working at these "normal" jobs was hilarious. I no longer watch the new Simple Life. It is not the same, to me at least. I really liked Paris from that time. Things in her life seemed to have taken a topsy turvy ride. Like, she got too big for her britches type of way. Do I make sense?

Nicole made the Simple Life, she's actually funny, I loved Nicole. Paris was dull and boring tbh.

thought I'd bump this thread up again to point out that, since there's been no new posts on it in a couple days, it sounds like other people are also getting tired of hearing about Paris, too.

Paris has a great PR team behind her. Probably her words but she was most likely coached. Good to see only a few days behind bars changed her so much. I'll believe it when I see it. Kinda like when she said she was giving up sex and relationships for a year and then was back to dating Starvos a week a later:lol:

I remember that! Paris has baffled me so much. She has tons of true fans though. I actually liked the cheap, cheesy "House of Wax." It had a couple of good moments. :lol:

thought I'd bump this thread up again to point out that, since there's been no new posts on it in a couple days, it sounds like other people are also getting tired of hearing about Paris, too.
you posted that 12 hours after the last response.

and? What's your point?

Nicole made the Simple Life, she's actually funny, I loved Nicole. Paris was dull and boring tbh.
The Simple Life wouldve been horrible without Nicole. Paris has no persoanlity. I'm glad that E! thought so too when Paris tried to get Nicole replaced during their "fued". I actually like Nicole. Shes a little more down to earth. She doesnt deny that she'd be a nobody if it werent for her money.

Good for her. I'm honestly glad.

Seems Paris' parents don't have to wait to visit their daughter. While everyone has to wait hours, they show up, get a few sheriff's to escort them in the facitiliy and visit with Paris.

Hilton's parents visit, raise questions By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jun 13, 9:12 AM ET
LOS ANGELES - Paris Hilton's parents visited their daughter after breezing past others waiting to see loved ones — an incident that raised new complaints that the heiress is receiving special treatment.

The visit Tuesday came less than a week after Hilton was reassigned to house arrest days after being jailed for violating parole. The 26-year-old socialite and reality TV star was later ordered back to jail.

Alvina Floyd, one visitor to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, waited more than four hours to visit her fiance. It normally takes two hours, and Floyd, 20, blamed the Hiltons for the delay.

"I have to be at work later," she said. "I can't wait here all day."

Shatani Alverson, 23, said she was hustled out of the jail's visiting room moments after her husband walked in because of the Hiltons. She was told to come back after lunch.

Steve Whitmore, a sheriff's spokesman, said it was routine for high-profile inmates to receive visitors during lunch, a time when the visiting room is normally cleared out and closed.

The visit came shortly after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ordered Sheriff Lee Baca to respond by next week to allegations of favoritism for reassigning Hilton to house arrest. At the time, Baca cited an undisclosed medical condition as the reason for making the decision.

Hilton was sent to a medical ward, where sheriff's officials said it costs $1,109.78 a day to house a female inmate compared with $99.64 a day in the general population.

Mary Tiedeman, who regularly visits the jails as a monitor for the ACLU, said the area where Hilton was being housed was usually reserved for high-security inmates or those worse off than Hilton has appeared.

"I don't know what her health issue is, but you have got to have a pretty intense medical or mental health problem to be in that part of the jail," she said.

Meanwhile, the Endeavor talent agency has dropped Hilton from its roster of clients, Michael Donkis, a spokesman for the company, said Tuesday.

"She is no longer a client," he said, declining further comment.

Hilton has been represented by the Beverly Hills-based agency since 2005.

and? What's your point?
i just pointed it out because you said it had been days since the last post.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/opinion/mikesmith/smithtoons/061207.gif

Toons.

Did it again....

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/jh/2007/jh070614.gif