Paris Hilton Celebrates as Utah Closes Abusive Boarding School

Paris Hilton says she finally feels heard. Utah officials revoked the license for Provo Canyon School’s Springville campus on July 6, the very facility where she alleges she suffered unspeakable abuse as a teenager in the 1990s.

The state cited a devastating list of violations dating back to 2025: unnecessary restraints, aggressive physical contact, neglect, and failing to protect children from harm. Staff reportedly failed to call 911 when a minor was left unconscious, instead driving the child to the hospital themselves, delaying treatment by an hour. The school has 15 days to appeal and must terminate all services by August 6.

For Hilton, this is the culmination of a years-long war. She spent 11 months at the school at age 17, alleging she was beaten, force-fed unknown pills, watched while showering, and locked naked in solitary confinement. She testified before Congress and lobbied state legislatures, helping pass reform laws in 15 states. Just last month, she returned to the school to support families suing over their children’s mistreatment.

“The little girl in me who was told she would never be believed feels so validated today,” Hilton said in a statement. “We were telling the truth. We always were. No institution is too powerful to be held accountable.”