Paris Hilton has directly addressed the persistent rumors linking her to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, recalling a time when she was a young woman navigating the whirlwind of newfound fame.
In a recent interview, the entrepreneur and reality television personality, now 44, stated she has no recollection of ever meeting Maxwell, despite claims that Maxwell singled her out at a New York event around the year 2000 when Hilton was just 19.
The story initially surfaced in 2020, recounted by journalist Christopher Mason, who described Maxwell’s immediate interest upon spotting Hilton. Mason alleges Maxwell exclaimed Hilton would be “perfect for Jeffrey” and actively sought an introduction.
At the time, Hilton was beginning her ascent as a socialite and model, recently signed to Donald Trump’s T Management agency. She was a fresh face in New York’s vibrant nightlife scene, quickly gaining recognition.
A photograph from an Anand Jon Fashion Show in 2000, showing Hilton positioned between Trump and Maxwell, has repeatedly fueled speculation. Maxwell’s broad smile in the image has been interpreted by some as evidence of a connection, a claim Hilton firmly denies.
Hilton suggests her enduring association with these accounts may stem from her public profile. She wryly observed that her name is simply “good clickbait,” attracting attention and often becoming entangled in narratives she doesn’t recognize.
Maxwell, who maintained a relationship with Epstein throughout the 1990s, was ultimately convicted for her role in his extensive sex trafficking operation. Court documents have identified her as Epstein’s primary recruiter, actively seeking out young women.
Mason revealed that those around Maxwell at the time found her behavior “puzzling,” noting rumors of her consistently searching for young women to introduce to Epstein. Initially dismissed as simply “a bit naughty,” this behavior is now understood in the context of Epstein’s horrific crimes.
Despite the resurfacing of these allegations and the circulating photograph, Hilton remains resolute in her denial, stating she has no memory of Maxwell ever approaching her, effectively distancing herself from the scandal.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of Epstein’s crimes and the enduring scrutiny faced by those who found themselves within his orbit, even tangentially.
