Paris Hilton talks about the “cruel” and “petty” criticism she and Britney Spears encountered in the early 2000s.
Appearing on the Thursday, January 29 episode of I’ve never said this before with Tommy DiDario, Hilton said she and Spears, both 44, were bonded over shared past experiences.
The simple life alum describes being constantly criticized after experiencing fame at a young age as a “very isolating” experience that few people can relate to. Hilton noted that the singer is one of the few people who can relate.
“I was with Britney a few weeks ago for her birthday in Mexico and we were just talking about how cruel and petty people were at the time,” Hilton said. “And he’s someone who can relate to that. Very few people can. It made us both so strong.
In the episode, Hilton explained that she used her dumb blonde public persona that became famous on The simple life as a shield against attacks.
“I think everyone saw me as that character because that’s how the world got to know me. And I also played into it even more, which I didn’t realize until later, as a traumatic reaction to everything I’d been through,” Hilton said. “So I think it was also a mask to protect myself. Just experiencing this level of fame at such a young age is very overwhelming.”

Millie Bobby Brown.
(Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)She continued: “Having the whole world watching you tear me apart, it was very difficult. So, I think having that character, it really saved me from a lot of pain because when people were mean or said things like I was like, ‘Oh, that’s not me. It’s just the character.'”
Hilton said that even though the world has changed somewhat in the two decades since she first appeared in the spotlight, famous young women still face backlash.
When DiDario mentioned Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown21 years old, as one of today’s young stars who the cops are currently the subject of strong criticism, Hilton defended her.
“You know, it’s changed so much, but there’s still these people who just can’t help themselves. And I just feel like they’re not happy with themselves if they want to, you know, tear these young women down,” Hilton said. “And that’s why I continue to use my voice to make a difference and to point it out to others. I hope things change as people do.”
Hilton then praised the Enola Holmes star for the way she handles fame and its pitfalls.
“I have so much respect for Millie. I love her so much. We text all the time. She’s so bright, such a strong girl,” she said. “And I’m so impressed with her in every way. And I feel so proud of her. I told her as soon as I saw that she was fighting back, I was like, ‘Wow.’ Like I wish I could have done that back then.






