Paris Hilton, a name synonymous with celebrity culture, recently offered a rare glimpse into how she has adapted to the constant attention that comes with fame. In a candid magazine interview with singer Bebe Rexha, Hilton discussed her life in the public eye, her new approach to fame, and the inventive strategies she uses to slip out of the spotlight to enjoy life as a mother.
As she promotes her latest music album, Infinite Icon, Hilton’s conversation with Rexha touched on the enduring presence of paparazzi and the relentless public fascination that has followed her for over two decades. Reflecting on the early 2000s, Rexha recalled the intense media attention surrounding Hilton, who was often pursued by photographers and surrounded by fans. Yet, Hilton, a seasoned public figure, has learned to take it all in stride. “Nothing fazes me anymore,” she shared, adding that she tries to balance her interactions with fans without compromising her family time. “Wherever I go, even at dinner, people come up to me, and I’m always polite. I’ll take photos with everyone. Sometimes I feel bad because I don’t want to take away from family time, but I don’t want anyone to feel hurt. I have so much empathy, and I never want anyone to feel sad,” she explained, acknowledging the fine line between fan appreciation and personal privacy.
Hilton’s experiences, especially since becoming a mother, have deepened her desire for moments of anonymity. She shares two young children, a one-year-old son named Phoenix and a nine-month-old daughter named London, with her husband, Carter Reum. With motherhood, Hilton has discovered a longing for simple outings without the usual entourage of attention that shadows her every step. “I want to be able to take my kids to Disneyland,” she said. “I want to be able to go to the farmers market.” This yearning for a semblance of normalcy led her to find creative ways to slip under the radar when out with her family.
To achieve this, Hilton has embraced an undercover style, complete with wigs, hats, hoodies, and oversized sunglasses. “I have hundreds of wigs now,” she shared, laughing. “I’ll wear a short black wig, or sometimes a completely different color, with big sunglasses, a hat, a hoodie, and sometimes even a face mask. This way, I can go out, do fun things, and just feel like a normal person.” Her clever disguises allow her to experience everyday life while blending into the crowd, a luxury few would associate with the Paris Hilton of the early 2000s.
Her views on fame have evolved alongside her life changes, and themes of self-reflection and personal growth echo throughout her new album, Infinite Icon. One song in particular, “Fame Won’t Love You,” produced by Sia, reflects Hilton’s understanding of fame’s limitations and explores deeper emotions such as self-worth and love. Reflecting on her early career, she noted, “At the start, I thought fame was the ultimate validation. It made me happy, but without real love, it leaves you feeling empty inside.” Now, Hilton views fame less as a source of fulfillment and more as a platform to impact others positively, aiming to use her visibility to bring encouragement and joy to fans.
Recently, Hilton experienced firsthand the profound impact she has had on her fans. During a meet-and-greet ahead of The Simple Life reunion special with her longtime friend Nicole Richie, Hilton was moved by the stories fans shared with her. “It brought me to tears hearing how much I’ve meant to people and how I’ve helped shape their lives,” she said. “Some of them told me they were going through difficult times, and because of me, they found happiness and confidence.” These heartfelt moments have added a new depth to Hilton’s relationship with her audience, transforming her once solely media-driven presence into one rooted in genuine connection and mutual appreciation.
While Hilton remains a fixture in the world of entertainment and fashion, she now approaches her public role with a sense of purpose and gratitude. Far from her early days as a media sensation, Hilton’s focus has shifted toward family, self-care, and using her platform to make a meaningful impact. Through her personal growth and willingness to adapt, Hilton exemplifies a balanced approach to fame, one that allows her to honor her iconic status while embracing the fulfilling aspects of a quieter life.