She’s been a mainstay in the public eye for more than 15 years.
And Paris Hilton is opening up about the most challenging time in her life as she’s featured in Bert Marcus’ The American Meme documentary which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday.
The 37-year-old socialite described in one scene of the film that she was completely broken in 2004 after the release of a personal sex tape made with then boyfriend Rick Salomon.
Difficult: Paris Hilton is opening up about the most challenging time in her life as she’s featured in Bert Marcus’ The American Meme documentary which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday
‘It was like being raped,’ she recalled in scenes from the new documentary. ‘It felt like I’ve lost part of my soul and been talked about in such cruel and mean ways. I literally wanted to die at some points. I was like, ‘I just don’t want to live.”
At the time of the release of clips from the sex tape, Paris had recently taken over television airwaves with her best friend Nicole Richie, starring together on The Simple Life.
‘Because I thought everything was taken away from me. I didn’t want to be known as that. …I would never be who I could have been,’ Paris said.
Sad: The 37-year-old described in one scene of the film that she was completely broken in 2004 after the release of a personal sex tape made with then boyfriend Rick Salomon
The film, 1 Night in Paris, was co-created with her former boyfriend for personal use, and was later purchased by Vivid Entertainment.
She became the brunt of jokes across media platforms, and despite feeling completely broken, managed to maintain strength through adversity.
‘She didn’t shy away from anything. Paris was brave enough to tell her truth. In the first conversation we had about the film, she told me, ‘I don’t give a shit anymore. I want to do something that is real, that has impact,” the director said. ‘Young people live in the now and you want to be relevant and have your name out there.
In the past: The film, 1 Night in Paris, was co-created with her former boyfriend Rick Salomon for personal use, and was later purchased by Vivid Entertainment; seen in 2004
‘People don’t really think about the long-term repercussions, which is why Paris is sharing moments from her earlier life, where she made mistakes or trusted people she shouldn’t have that took advantage of her. There is so much to be learned from Paris Hilton.’
The social media star announced her engagement to Chris Zylka earlier this year and is in full wedding planning mode having chosen her perfect dress.
‘I did pick the final one! It is so iconic and I can’t wait for everyone to see,’ Paris told People magazine. Right now we’re custom making it so it is going to be really special. We looked at a lot of different options because I am friends with so many incredible designers who are so talented. So it was a really hard choice!’
Love: The social media star announced her engagement to Chris Zylka earlier this year and is in full wedding planning mode having chosen her perfect dress; seen in April at Coachella