20 Questions with Paris Hilton

As she prepares for a rare UK performance at Brighton Pride, the self-styled “infinite icon” answers 20 questions on fame, her evolving reputation and career longevity, and how “being kind is the most iconic thing you can be”

Paris Hilton needs no introduction. She’s the OG influencer who used her hilarious reality series, The Simple Life, co-starring Nicole Richie, to build a global business empire. Since she first became famous in the Y2K era, when “that’s hot!” was her snappy catchphrase, Hilton has branched out into DJing, acting and all manner of personal branding: last year, she released her 30th fragrance, called Iconic (what else?).

More recently, she used the 2020 documentary This is Paris and her 2023 autobiography, Paris: The Memoir, to reveal the woman behind the social media persona. Hilton has spoken with unswerving candour about the emotional, physical and sexual abuse she experienced at various boarding schools that purported to help troubled teenagers. Now, she leverages her celebrity to campaign for greater regulation and transparency in such facilities. In December 2024, the US House of Representatives passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, due in no small part to Hilton’s moving testimony before Congress.

Of course, she’s also the pop star behind balmy reggae bop Stars Are Blind – quite frankly, the song of the summer every year – and the high-camp club bangers of her 2024 album, Infinite Icon. All in all, she’s a natural fit for the Sunday Icon slot at Brighton Pride, where she’ll take to the stage for a rare UK performance.

Hilton is living proof that smart blondes don’t just have fun; they also have careers we love talking about. So, she jumped on Zoom from her LA home to answer 20 questions covering her remarkable journey so far.

1. Hi Paris! What can we expect from your Brighton Pride set in August?

I’ve been working with my choreographer and all my amazing dancers to make it a beautiful production that really sparkles. I’m going to be singing all my favourite songs from my albums, plus a few surprises ...

2. You’re playing Brighton Pride as the Sunday Icon. What, for you, makes someone an icon?

Never being afraid to stand out. I think the people who leave a lasting mark are the ones who create their own path and stay true to who they are. They don’t chase trends, they set them.

3. Can you remember the first time you were called an icon?

People have been calling me iconic for a very long time, so it’s hard to remember exactly when I first heard it. But I do know that my team did a study on what people call me the most, and it’s officially “icon” and “iconic”. It’s something I live every day; I think it just comes naturally.

4. What does Pride mean to you?

It’s about celebrating a community that’s shown me so much love and acceptance, especially during a time in my life when I needed it the most. As a teenager in New York, I found such a sense of belonging in the club scene, where I became friends with David LaChapelle, Amanda Lepore and Patricia Field. I loved being surrounded by so many vogue dancers, drag queens and creative people.

What does Pride mean to you? “It’s about celebrating a community that’s shown me so much love and acceptance, especially during a time in my life when I needed it the most” – Paris Hilton 

5. Why do you think you’ve been so embraced by the LGBTQ+ community?

So many people come up to me and say, “Just watching The Simple Life helped me to become who I am today.” I believe in being authentic and never letting anyone dim your sparkle, and I really try to bring that message into everything I do.

6. What are your fondest memories of the UK?

I’m obsessed with London – I had my 21st birthday there. Being a mom now, I love bringing my kids to Hamley’s. On every trip, we’re literally there for seven hours visiting every floor.

7. You’ve collaborated with some incredible artists: Kim Petras, Megan Thee Stallion, Rina Sawayama. Who’s top of your collaboration wish list now?

Madonna. She inspires so much of what I do musically, and I also love her advocacy work.

8. If any Paris Hilton song could pop off on TikTok, which one would you like it to be?

Stars Are Blind. It’s amazing to see new generations discover that song.

9. What is the most surprising place in the world you’ve heard it? 

Like, anytime I would walk into a party or a club, the DJ would put it on. And if I’m expecting to have a low-key night, that definitely does not happen when Stars Are Blind comes on.

10. Do you always say yes when someone asks for a selfie?

I’ve never said no, because I love making people happy. I think that with fame, your biggest superpower is being able to bring joy into people’s lives.

What are you most proud of? “Helping to pass federal bills that will protect children, that feels like turning my pain into a huge purpose” – Paris Hilton

11. Are you good at saying no, generally?

I’ve gotten better at it. Before, I would just say yes to everything, but being a mom now, I’ve learned about setting boundaries and prioritising my time.

12. What have you learned from being globally famous for well over 20 years?

Resilience – this journey has taught me to be strong. 

13. In what way did your 2023 memoir, Paris: The Memoir, change perceptions about you?

I think my documentary was the first time people saw beyond the character and really got to know the real Paris. Then my memoir took it further: I got to tell my own story in greater depth, all on my own terms. And now that A24 has the rights to it, it’s going to be turned into a TV series produced by the Fanning sisters. 

14. What are you most proud of?

My story and the impact it’s had. Helping to pass federal bills that will protect children, that feels like turning my pain into a huge purpose. 

15. At this point in your career, do you care what people think about you?

I’ve learned not to let other people’s perceptions define me. You know, for so many years people made assumptions about who I was without really knowing me. Now, what matters most to me is making the world a better place by protecting kids, so that’s what I focus on. 

16. How would you describe your personal style?

I’ve always loved fashion, but I don’t follow trends – I make up my own. It’s so fun seeing my Y2K style inspire people around the world. Back then, no one was dressing like me! 

17. If an alien landed on Earth, how long would you need to teach them the fundamentals of personal branding?

Being the queen of personal branding, I could teach them the basics pretty quickly. The first lesson would be to figure out what makes them unique, because the most memorable brands are the ones that feel authentic.

What is the key to career longevity? “Being kind, which is the most iconic thing you can be” – Paris Hilton

18. What occupation do you have listed on your passport?

I think it says business owner, but I should really change it to: infinite icon.

19. What is the key to career longevity?

Being kind, which is the most iconic thing you can be. I’ve travelled the world for two decades, sometimes 250 days out of the year, and I’ve always really connected with people. Every time I have a book signing or a perfume signing, I’ll stay until the mall closes if there’s still people waiting to meet me.

20. And finally, what will you be doing after this interview? 

I’ll be hanging out with my cutesy crew, London and Phoenix. Then, when they have their nap, my dancers will come over for a rehearsal with my show director, Mikey. I can’t wait to see everyone at Brighton Pride, so I have to get my show ready.

Paris Hilton plays Brighton & Hove Pride’s Pride On The Park on Sunday 2 August 2026.