Paris Hilton, known for her glamorous lifestyle, has teamed up with an unlikely ally: Democratic Majority Leader and New York Senator Chuck Schumer. The two have joined forces to advocate for the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, a bill that seeks to regulate the “troubled teen industry” and promote federal oversight of harsh treatment methods used in youth residential programs. The bill was introduced to Congress in April 2023 and has already passed the Senate with unanimous support. Now, it’s awaiting a vote in the House.
Hilton’s involvement in this cause is deeply personal. As the great-granddaughter of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, she grew up in the spotlight but struggled with rebellious behavior during her teenage years. At 16, she was sent to several youth institutions, including the Provo Canyon School in Utah, where she experienced severe abuse. Hilton has publicly shared her trauma and even testified before the Utah State Legislature in 2001 to shut down the facility. Her experiences, which included verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, have motivated her to use her platform to advocate for other vulnerable teens facing similar treatment.
In a heartfelt post, Hilton expressed her hope for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the bill in the coming week, urging leaders to act quickly to protect youth and gather crucial data on abusive practices in the industry. Her partnership with Schumer, though unconventional, is a powerful example of how individuals from different walks of life can come together to push for meaningful change. Hilton’s determination to see this bill become law reflects her commitment to preventing others from enduring the same horrors she experienced.