Paris Hilton, now 44, has finally broken her silence on allegations that Ghislaine Maxwell attempted to recruit her for Jeffrey Epstein when she was just 19 years old.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Hilton firmly denied the claims, stating she does not even remember meeting Maxwell. The denial marks the socialite’s first public response to rumors that have circulated for years.
The Original Claim
The allegation surfaced in 2020 through Lifetime’s docuseries “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein.” Christopher Mason, a British journalist and former acquaintance of Maxwell’s, recounted hearing that Maxwell spotted Hilton at a New York party and said she’d be “perfect for Jeffrey.”
Mason explained that Maxwell allegedly asked friends if they could introduce her to the then-young socialite.
Setting the Scene
The alleged encounter occurred in September 2000 at a New York fashion show, specifically the Anand Jon Fashion Show on September 18. At the time, Hilton was 19 years old and just beginning her rise to fame as a socialite.
She had recently signed with Donald Trump’s modeling agency and was still building her celebrity profile.
The Direct Quote
“I don’t even remember ever meeting her,” Hilton told The Sunday Times in her response to the recruitment allegations. The blunt denial came after years of speculation about whether she had encountered Maxwell.
Hilton’s statement effectively contradicts the narrative that Mason shared in the 2020 documentary about the alleged recruitment attempt.
Hilton on the Rumors
Reflecting on the persistent rumors linking her name to the Epstein scandal, Hilton acknowledged her own cultural position.
“I’m such a good clickbait name,” she said, suggesting the allegations may have gained traction precisely because of her high profile. The comment hints at frustration with how media narratives form around celebrity figures.
The Photographic Evidence
Despite Hilton’s claim that she doesn’t remember meeting Maxwell, a photograph from the Anand Jon Fashion Show on September 18, 2000, shows Hilton, Maxwell, and Donald Trump together at the event.
The image was later featured in the 2020 docuseries as supporting evidence for the encounter claim, which somewhat complicates Hilton’s denial.
Who Was Ghislaine Maxwell?
Ghislaine Maxwell was the longtime girlfriend and key associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities identified her as Epstein’s “chief recruiter,” responsible for identifying and recruiting underage girls for him to abuse. Maxwell was eventually arrested and convicted on federal sex trafficking charges stemming from her role in Epstein’s crimes.
Maxwell’s Conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. She was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in prison for conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation of minors.
Maxwell has denied all wrongdoing and maintains her innocence despite her conviction.
Maxwell’s Alleged Methods
According to Christopher Mason’s account in the docuseries, Maxwell’s recruitment strategy involved scouring New York for young girls to go on dates with Epstein.
“The rumors were, Ghislaine was scouring New York, finding younger girls to go on dates with Jeffrey,” Mason said. At the time, he characterized her efforts as “a bit naughty,” underestimating the severity of her involvement in sex trafficking.
Mason’s Full Account
In the 2020 docuseries, Mason provided a detailed account of what he claimed to have heard about Hilton.
He said a friend was at a party where Maxwell saw Hilton and asked, “Who’s that?” Upon learning Hilton’s identity, Maxwell allegedly said, “God, she’d be perfect for Jeffrey. Could you introduce us?” Mason’s account became the primary source for the allegation.
Hilton’s Early Fame
In 2000, when the alleged encounter occurred, Paris Hilton was not yet the household name she would become. She was raised in New York City with deep family connections to wealth and the fashion industry.
Having signed with Trump’s modeling agency, she gained visibility as a socialite but had not yet achieved the celebrity status that would come with “The Simple Life” reality series in the early 2000s.
Hilton’s Wealth and Status
As a member of the prominent Hilton family, Paris Hilton came from significant wealth and privilege. Some observers have noted that her family’s position would have made her an unlikely target for recruitment into Epstein’s circle, as he typically targeted vulnerable girls seeking money or opportunities.
Hilton’s resources and family connections set her apart from Maxwell’s typical victims.
The Media Frenzy
The resurgence of these allegations in 2025 has generated significant media attention, with outlets across the entertainment and crime journalism spectrum covering Hilton’s response.
The story has trended on social media and sparked discussions about how celebrity names become associated with major scandals. Hilton’s public denial represents an attempt to definitively close the chapter on these long-standing rumors.
Hilton’s Current Life
Now 44 years old, Paris Hilton has undergone significant evolution since her days as a rising socialite. She is a mother of two and has transitioned into activism and entrepreneurship.
Her public image has shifted from party socialite to businesswoman and advocate, and her response to the recruitment allegations reflects her effort to control her own narrative.
Broader Epstein Scandals
The renewed focus on Hilton’s story comes as part of a larger public reckoning with the Epstein scandal. The case has drawn bipartisan calls for the Department of Justice to release investigative files related to Epstein.
These demands reflect ongoing public concern about potential cover-ups and unaccounted relationships within Epstein’s network.
Trump’s Connection
Donald Trump appears in the September 2000 photograph with Hilton and Maxwell at the fashion show.
Trump was known to have a years-long friendship with Epstein, though Trump has consistently maintained he knew nothing of the financier’s sex crimes. Recent developments have seen Trump reverse his earlier stance on releasing Epstein files.
File Release Developments
In late November 2025, Trump announced he would support the release of Epstein investigation documents. In a post on Truth Social, Trump agreed to “get it over with,” signaling a shift in his position on the sensitive files.
The announcement reflects mounting political pressure from both parties for greater transparency regarding Epstein’s network.
Epstein’s Fate
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He had initially pleaded guilty to prostitution-related charges in 2008 and served 13 months in a non-prosecution agreement. Upon his re-arrest in July 2019, he was denied bail and was found dead in his jail cell weeks later.
Questions Remain
Despite Hilton’s firm denial and the photographic evidence of their encounter, questions persist about what actually transpired at the 2000 fashion show.
Whether Maxwell actually attempted recruitment or whether the story has been inflated through retelling remains unclear. Hilton’s response may not fully satisfy those seeking definitive answers about the full scope of the Epstein network.
The Broader Reckoning
Hilton’s public statement is part of a larger cultural moment examining power, accountability, and the Epstein scandal’s reach.
As pressure mounts for document releases and further investigations, public figures linked to the case—however tangentially—face renewed scrutiny. The story exemplifies how rumors can attach themselves to prominent names and require an explicit denial to be contested.
