Paris Hilton has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, but her latest photo shoot for Nylon magazine might just be her most daring yet. At 43, the iconic reality star posed topless for the September cover, donning only a pair of unbuttoned jeans. Folding down the sides of her denim and holding two vanilla ice cream cones to preserve her modesty, Hilton created a visually striking moment that highlighted her blend of fashion, fun, and fearlessness.
The shoot isn’t just about aesthetics. It represents Hilton’s continuous evolution as she reflects on her past while embracing her present. She sat down with her longtime friend, singer Bebe Rexha, for a candid conversation about her career, personal struggles, and her upcoming sophomore album Infinite Icon, which showcases a new side of her music career. For Hilton, this album is a bold step in redefining how the world sees her.
Over the years, Paris Hilton has worked hard to distance herself from the “dumb blonde” persona that first made her famous during her The Simple Life days. In this interview, she explained that this character was one she crafted to protect herself, not only from the intense scrutiny that came with her early fame but also from the trauma she experienced during her teenage years. Hilton revealed that enduring abuse at a Utah boarding school and having a sex tape leaked without her consent led her to put up a facade.
“People don’t see me as that character anymore,” she said. “They see me as a human being with feelings, that I’m real and I’m vulnerable and honest.” This shift in perception has allowed Hilton to embrace a more authentic version of herself, and through projects like her memoir, documentary, and now Infinite Icon, she is reclaiming her story.
When it comes to her music, Hilton is especially proud of the new direction her sound has taken. The Stars Are Blind singer has partnered with Sia, who pushed her to use her “real voice” instead of the breathy, high-pitched tone that characterized her earlier work. Hilton admitted that during her early music career, she was still deep in her “party girl era,” but this time around, she’s tapping into a much more personal and vulnerable place.
“I’m so proud of this album,” she told Nylon. “Sia brought out something in me that I didn’t even know I had. To have someone like her believe in me made me believe in myself even more.”
For much of her public life, Hilton was known for speaking in a high-pitched, almost cartoonish “baby voice,” which she now reveals was part of the protective mask she wore to cope with the pressures of fame. It wasn’t just a personality quirk—it was a trauma response. Hilton explained that when she started The Simple Life, producers encouraged her to lean into this ditzy airhead character, which eventually became a hallmark of her persona.
“I didn’t realize it would be such a huge success and we’d have to continue on for five seasons,” she admitted. “So I just got used to it.” This voice became so intertwined with her public image that she used it during interviews and appearances, but now, she’s letting her real voice—and her real self—shine.
Hilton’s willingness to open up about her struggles extends to her recent revelation about living with ADHD. Diagnosed in her 20s, the socialite explained how the condition impacted her life growing up, making it hard for her to concentrate or remember things. But rather than viewing ADHD as a weakness, Hilton has turned it into a superpower.
“I actually hate the word ‘disorder’ because I don’t think it’s something that’s bad,” she shared. “We can focus. We can hyperfocus on things that we care about.” Harnessing that energy, Hilton insists, has been a key to her success. She even has a track called “ADHD” on her upcoming album, meant to empower others who live with the condition.
Hilton’s relationship with fame has shifted dramatically since she first entered the public eye. Now married to venture capitalist Carter Reum and a mother of two, Hilton no longer craves validation from the limelight. Instead, she says she’s found deeper fulfillment in her family life.
“In the start of my career, I felt like fame was the ultimate validation,” she confessed. “But it does leave you feeling empty inside if you don’t have that real love. Now, especially being a wife and a mother, I’ve realized what’s most important in life.”
However, Hilton’s fame still carries an immense amount of power, and she’s learned to wield it in a way that brings joy to others. “I see it as a superpower to make others happy,” she noted. But when she wants to step away from the spotlight and enjoy time with her family, she has to go undercover. To avoid attention, Hilton revealed she sometimes wears a full disguise, complete with a short black wig, oversized sunglasses, and a hat.
Hilton’s upcoming 12-track album Infinite Icon will not only showcase her growth as an artist but will also feature collaborations with stars like Megan Thee Stallion, who she met at Chateau Marmont. According to Hilton, the two bonded quickly over their shared astrological sign (both are Aquariuses), and they’ve been close ever since.
As Hilton continues to evolve, both personally and professionally, her latest Nylon cover shoot and interview mark yet another chapter in her ongoing journey of self-discovery. With her second album on the horizon and a new perspective on life, it’s clear that Paris Hilton is ready to show the world the real her—on her own terms.