Socialite and media personality Paris Hilton has found herself at the centre of a fiery online debate after boldly declaring herself a 'self-made' business mogul. The 44-year-old heiress to the Hilton hotel fortune made the controversial statement in an interview with The Sunday Times, published on Saturday.
The Controversial Claim
During the conversation, Hilton was discussing her business ventures, specifically her $1 billion 11:11 Media company, when she asserted, 'I'm self-made. Like, I've done this all on my own.' She further doubled down on this position, stating emphatically, 'No one's ever given me anything in my entire life.' This remark immediately raised eyebrows, given her well-documented background as a member of one of America's most prominent hotel dynasties.
Online Backlash Erupts
The reaction from fans and critics was swift and largely critical, with many taking to platforms like Reddit to challenge her perspective. One user pointedly referenced her own product line, writing, 'You had a perfume called 'Heiress.' [Girl], be fr.' Another comment highlighted the inherent advantage of her family name, noting, 'If you weren't a Hilton then you wouldn't be as big as you are. Yes you made a name for yourself but its because you came from wealth and a household name.'
The critique extended beyond just her name recognition. A more nuanced argument emerged about the nature of risk-taking for the wealthy. One Redditor explained, 'Even if you didn't take seed money, handouts, or other direct support, there's a huge difference between the kinds of risks someone coming from a background of wealth and security can take and someone just trying to keep food on the table can take.' Others were less measured, with one simply calling her 'delusional' and another labelling the claim 'epic narcissism.'
A Legacy of Wealth and Privilege
The public scepticism is rooted in Hilton's substantial family wealth. Her grandfather was the late billionaire Barron Hilton, who inherited and expanded the family's hospitality empire. Upon his death in 2019, he left the majority of his fortune to a family foundation, but Paris's parents, Kathy and Rick Hilton, still possess a net worth in the hundreds of millions.
In the same Sunday Times profile, Hilton recalled a close relationship with her grandfather, quoting him as saying, 'Paris, you work harder than any CEO I know.' She also shared his humorous remark that he had become known as 'Paris Hilton's grandpa.'
Paris Hilton first became a global household name in the early 2000s through her role on the reality show 'The Simple Life' with Nicole Richie. She has since skilfully monetised her fame, building a vast business portfolio that includes clothing, fragrances, and a successful career as a DJ. She now serves as the CEO and chairwoman of 11:11 Media, a testament to her business acumen, albeit one that the public believes was launched from a uniquely privileged platform.
