Paris Hilton has expressed a sense of validation following the revocation of the licence for Provo Canyon School in Utah, where she alleges she suffered abuse as a teenager. The decision made by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services has been described by Hilton as a long-awaited victory for herself and many other former students who have bravely shared their troubling experiences.
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The campus, located in Springville, will cease operations by 6 August following the revocation which took effect on 6 July. Officials cited numerous health and safety failures, as well as a consistent pattern of noncompliance with state regulations. Alongside this revocation, the school has been prohibited from accepting new students.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Hilton emphasised the significance of this decision, saying, “For more than fifty years, children have come forward with stories of abuse, neglect, and trauma. Today, the state confirmed what survivors have known all along: Provo Canyon School failed the children in its care.” She further articulated her feelings of validation, stating, “The little girl in me who was told she would never be believed feels so validated today,” reinforcing her message that truth and accountability have prevailed.
Hilton’s advocacy stems from her personal experiences at the institution, which she publicly detailed in her 2020 documentary, “This Is Paris.” In interviews surrounding the release, she spoke about spending 11 months at Provo Canyon School and alleged that the abuse started almost immediately. “It was supposed to be a school, but classes were not the focus at all,” she noted. Instead, she described an environment filled with yelling and emotional distress, claiming staff aimed to instil fear in the students.
The abuse experienced by Hilton was echoed by her former classmates, several of whom appeared in the documentary to share similar tales. They alleged verbal and physical mistreatment at the hands of the school’s staff, painting a grim picture of the conditions within the facility. Hilton has consistently maintained that her attempts to communicate her plight to her parents were thwarted due to constant monitoring of her communications by the school’s administration.
The revocation of the school’s licence comes just after Utah officials had already imposed additional restrictions on its operations earlier this year, citing various health and safety violations. Serious allegations against the institution include delaying medical treatment for students and failing to protect them from harm. Reports indicate that the school faces multiple legal challenges over these accusations.
Hilton’s efforts to seek justice and promote reform have included her testimony before the Utah Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee. She highlighted her experiences of abuse while calling for necessary legislative changes to ensure the protection of youths in similar facilities. Furthermore, Hilton’s ongoing advocacy has contributed to national discussions around the treatment of vulnerable children within residential facilities.
After Hilton shared her story, Provo Canyon School maintained that it could not address claims from periods prior to its current ownership, which began in 2000. The school has publicly denied allegations of abuse, asserting that any suspected cases are reported to state authorities. However, many former students and advocates continue to question the school’s practices and overall care provided to its residents.
Additionally, Hilton has elaborated on the invasive treatment she endured while at the school, claiming she was subjected to inappropriate medical examinations conducted by staff members rather than qualified medical professionals. In her reflections, she indicated that these experiences amounted to sexual abuse.
Hilton’s determination to shine a light on these issues has contributed to significant legislative efforts, highlighted by the passing of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act in December 2024. This milestone marks a movement toward increased oversight and accountability in youth residential treatment facilities across the United States.
As the former students and advocacy efforts galvanise further support and attention, Hilton’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to survivors and holding institutions accountable for the care they provide. In light of the recent revocation of Provo Canyon School’s licence, there is a renewed hope that mechanisms will be put in place to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
For those who might find themselves in need of support after experiences of abuse, resources such as the Crisis Text Line are available, offering assistance to those who reach out.