Paris Hilton, now 44, has publicly addressed longstanding rumors that Ghislaine Maxwell tried to recruit her for Jeffrey Epstein’s circle when Hilton was just 19. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Hilton firmly denied the claims, stating she does not recall ever meeting Maxwell. This marks Hilton’s first direct response to allegations that have circulated since 2020, when a Lifetime docuseries brought the story to wider attention.
Origins of the Allegation
The recruitment claim first surfaced in the 2020 Lifetime series “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein.” British journalist Christopher Mason, a former acquaintance of Maxwell’s, recounted hearing that Maxwell had spotted Hilton at a New York party and remarked she would be “perfect for Jeffrey.” According to Mason, Maxwell then asked friends if they could introduce her to the young socialite. The alleged incident was said to have taken place at the Anand Jon Fashion Show in New York on September 18, 2000, when Hilton was just beginning her rise to fame.
At the time, Hilton had recently signed with Donald Trump’s modeling agency and was still building her public profile. Mason’s account became the primary source for the story, which was later amplified by the inclusion of a photograph from the event showing Hilton, Maxwell, and Trump together.
Photographic Evidence and Hilton’s Response
Despite Hilton’s denial of any memory of meeting Maxwell, a photograph from the 2000 fashion show shows Hilton, Maxwell, and Donald Trump together at the event. This image was featured in the 2020 docuseries as evidence supporting the claim of an encounter. Hilton, however, maintains that she does not recall meeting Maxwell and suggests her celebrity status may have made her a target for rumors. “I’m such a good clickbait name,” Hilton told The Sunday Times, hinting at her frustration with how media narratives can form around high-profile figures.
The presence of the photograph complicates the narrative, as it provides visual evidence of Hilton and Maxwell at the same event, though it does not confirm any interaction or recruitment attempt. The story has continued to attract media attention, especially as public interest in the Epstein case remains high.
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role and Conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate and former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, was widely identified by authorities as Epstein’s “chief recruiter.” She was accused of finding and grooming underage girls for Epstein to abuse. Maxwell was arrested in 2020 and, in 2021, convicted on federal sex trafficking charges. She was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in prison for conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting minors. Maxwell has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining her innocence despite her conviction.
According to Mason’s account in the docuseries, Maxwell’s recruitment strategy involved seeking out young women in New York to introduce to Epstein. Mason described the rumors at the time as Maxwell “scouring New York, finding younger girls to go on dates with Jeffrey,” though he admitted he initially underestimated the seriousness of her actions.
Paris Hilton’s Early Life and Status
In 2000, Paris Hilton was not yet the global celebrity she would become. Raised in New York City with deep family ties to wealth and the fashion industry, Hilton had just begun to attract attention as a socialite and model. Her family’s prominence and resources set her apart from the typical profile of Epstein’s victims, who were often vulnerable young women seeking financial or career opportunities. Observers have noted that Hilton’s privileged background may have made her an unlikely target for recruitment into Epstein’s network.
Media Frenzy and Renewed Scrutiny
The resurgence of these allegations in 2025 has reignited media interest, with coverage spanning entertainment and crime journalism. The story has trended on social media, fueling discussions about how celebrity names become entangled in major scandals. Hilton’s public denial appears to be an effort to put an end to years of speculation and to assert control over her own narrative.
Now a mother of two and an entrepreneur, Hilton’s public image has evolved significantly since her days as a party-going socialite. Her response to the allegations reflects her desire to move beyond the rumors and focus on her current roles as a businesswoman and advocate.
Ongoing Questions and Broader Implications
Despite Hilton’s firm denial and the existence of photographic evidence, questions remain about what actually transpired at the 2000 fashion show. Whether Maxwell truly attempted to recruit Hilton, or whether the story has grown through repeated retelling, is still unclear. The renewed focus on Hilton’s story is part of a broader reckoning with the Epstein scandal, as calls for transparency and further investigation continue.
As public pressure mounts for the release of investigative files related to Epstein, and as figures linked to the case face renewed scrutiny, Hilton’s experience highlights how rumors can attach themselves to prominent names. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges of separating fact from speculation in high-profile cases, and the enduring impact such stories can have on those involved.
