We know that Paris Hilton can turn heads in the glitziest and most dazzling of ensembles. But she can also do understated dressed-down elegance too, which is the look she went for during her recent brief but very important trip to Jamaica.
The Cooking with Paris star, 43, is more than just a businesswoman and style icon; she is also an advocate for victims of abuse based on her previous history with abuse during her teenage years. And her trip to Jamaica earlier this month was purely about supporting the seven American boys who suffered abuse at Jamaican boarding school, Atlantis Leadership Academy. The boys were taken into the care of Jamaican welfare authorities after reports of abuse came out back in February.
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Paris Hilton Gives Emotional Speech At Press Conference In Jamaica
The Paris in Love star attended a press conference at Treasure Beach, Jamaica on April 3rd dressed in a chic and understated white lace maxi dress with a button-front, with her hair pulled back in an effortless low bun and accessorized with a wide headband. The mom-of-two gave a powerful and emotional speech during her time there to address the abuse the American boys suffered at the Jamaican boarding school for troubled teens.
“Because of what I went through in the #TroubledTeenIndustry, when I heard that seven American boys asked if I would attend their court hearing in Jamaica after being saved from #AtlantisLeadershipAcademy due to horrific abuse allegations including being violently beaten, whipped, water-boarded, and starved… I knew I needed to show up for them,” Paris wrote on Instagram, alongside a video of her speech during the press conference.
The Simple Life alum appeared at the press conference alongside children's rights attorney Dawn J. Post, survivor Chelsea Maldonado, and attorney Michael McFarland to call for change. "There is nowhere on Earth that I am unwilling to travel to support and advocate for youth who have experienced institutional child abuse and neglect. There is nowhere that a facility can hide where we cannot find them. We will not allow children to carry the shame and stigma of abuse alone — that belongs solely to the abusers," Paris said during her speech.
"It outrages me that it is taking months to bring these children back to the United States and mere moments to send them away in the first place," she continued. "While we wait for the government to take action, survivors will continue to uncover this broken system and expose those who are putting profits over the wellbeing of our most vulnerable youth. We will protect the powerless ourselves."
Fan Comments
"Thank you for always using your platforms and influence to bring awareness to serious issues," wrote one fan in the comments section. "So proud of you for taking a stand for these kids when no one else is showing up for them," wrote another.
"You're amazing Paris! Keep up the good work and using your platform to shed light on issues like this, you're literally saving people's lives. So proud of you," gushed another fan, followed by many white heart emojis. "Thank you Paris for speaking about this and helping to uncover these facilities that are harming our most vulnerable youth," wrote another grateful fan. "You are a hero @parishilton I am so proud of you for doing this," commented another fan, while another said: "Paris for president."
