In Defense
In the midst of all of this Paris Hilton speculation it is easy to jump to conclusions. Obviously, given her popularity and wealth, it’s easy to see why the majority would condemn her of late, myself included. Make no mistake, if her mysterious medical condition is simply stress caused by her inability to deal with the fact that she has to do jail time, then I’m not all that sympathetic, though will say that her case has been used, as have many others, as a showcase for lawyers and judges and other officials who, even if in a small way, are enjoying their 15 minutes in the spotlight.
But thinking on it last night I began to ponder whether there might actually be something psychologically wrong with this girl, something that has gone largely overlooked in her life, and something that she has used her lifestyle in an attempt to suppress. Being that I suffer from bipolarity and wasn’t actually diagnosed with it until my mid thirties, one cannot discount the possibility that Hilton could be suffering from manic episodes due to the situation, one which is only amplified by her popularity. Speaking for myself, enduring a full blown manic episode is worse than anything I have ever experienced, spinal taps included. I can only imagine how much more terrifying one would be within the confines of a jail.
Until the truth is divulged as to what her condition is, I’m not going to bother commenting on this subject further from the standpoint of celebrity inequality et all. Because the truth is, this girl, given the life that she has led, and despite her wealth and popularity, which could have played significant factors in the formation of mental illness or strife, should be given the benefit of the doubt if she is indeed in need of psychological assistance. Because such things are not limited to those with nothing, or those that are not in the spotlight. If anything, increased anxiety can come from having to portray oneself as something on a daily basis, as if trapped in a never ending cycle from which escape seems impossible. That is not to say that her actions with regards to breaking the law are excusable, not at all. But that if we are to afford others the benefit of the doubt, then I believe she should be afforded the same accommodation.
I don’t know. Perhaps, given the possibility of an anxiety disorder or something else, I am somewhat more forgiving given my own personal experiences. That said, I’m going to remove my former posts and wait until more information is made available until commenting further, if at all.
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June 9th, 2007 at 11:28 am
so awesome that this is breaking news on cnn as in not awesome. embarrasing. way to go nation.
June 9th, 2007 at 11:30 am
also if you have ever partied in the drunk tank, you go mental cos you think the man is against you, in her case though, she’s had weeks notice, so i’m guessing her brain is not right.
June 9th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Jail sucks.
It straightened my ass out.
June 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
cock in your ass doesn’t make you straight, chad.
June 9th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Nicely said Matt. In many instances with people or peoples, complete and utter condemnation is not always the best course of action. Despite the fact that she’s had quite an easy ride in many ways (and perhaps abused that… ticket to downright disgusting levels), as you said, we still don’t know the full scope of her situation. Bah, I’ve got nothing really.
June 9th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I love how they got a helicopter out to film her in that sherrif’s car. How much money does that cost to maintain and use for a emergency let alone following a black SUV with her in it?. ugh, i should have been born earlier.
June 9th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Anyone can fake mental illness if they know what the symptoms are and are manipulative enough to pull it off (and she’d likely get full marks for that one). Her whole ‘team’ pulled a stunt to try and get her out of jail and it didn’t work. The medical documents from the office of the Sheriff - who receives political donations from Hilton’s Grandfather, has been under prior scrutiny for covering up other incidents involving celebrity, and is a Scientologist which proves he’s not all that bright himself - never showed up in court. The anguish she faced alone in her cell is likely no different than what any other first-time prisoner undergoes, yet those prisoners are not given the benefit of the mental disorder doubt and sent home. I would fully expect a person to experience intense mood swings, depression & anxiety in such a situation, and that’s part of how people are forced to take responsibility for their crimes. It’s part of the punishment, not a suddenly convenient angle to work to get out of taking responsibility. Going apeshit because you don’t have your cell phone is not a manic episode, it’s a temper tantrum.
June 9th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Treat her the same as everyone else.
Same punishment. Same treatment (medical included)….and Justice for all.
Though I wouldn’t exactly swallow my face in shock if it turned out she was malingering.
June 9th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
All very true, Matt. But I’m wondering if your earlier guess may have been correct after all. Could it be that she’s detoxing from all sorts of party drugs but doesn’t want to air that situation publicly? That certainly would explain the ticks and shakes.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,279675,00.html
Just a guess. She was in jail for three days before being set free, and that’s roughly the time it takes for withdrawl to get REALLY bad.
There. I’m done my celebrity-obsessing-speculating for the day.
June 9th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Fuck, who cares.
June 9th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
This has as much to do with the state of the justice system as it does celebrity - so many people should care.
June 9th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
In regards to 14 Giants comment:
While the withdrawl scenario is possible, its not entirely difficult to obtain drugs in jail. In fact, I’ve heard testimony from some that admit that it was easier for them to get drugs when they were in jail then when they were out (this testimony is from someone who served time in a maximum security jail in Canada, though I wouldn’t suspect major difference for this minimum security facility in the U.S).
June 9th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
bravo matt
June 9th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Nadia - Paris Hilton was segregated from the rest of gen-pop (general population) during her first days in jail. She didn’t even have a cellmate. It’s unlikely that she would attempt to score drugs from the guards either, lest her efforts to do so become public.
Jesus, I have to stop writing about this.
June 9th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I have to agree with Nick. Sick of hearing about this. It’s nothing that should be considered news, despite the fact that at 11 pm last night (mountain time) every nightly news show and 24 hour news feed channel were talking about this simutaneously. Still can’t figure out why she would be driving herself in the first place, drunk/high or not. I would figure she’d be spoiled enough as to just have someone drive her around all the time.
Although, an interesting bit of discussion from CBC radio last night, which basically pointed out the fact that this is only “news” to the major networks because of the popularity of internet celeb gossip sites, and the associated struggle by “reputable” news outlets to try and retain an audience.
June 9th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Thank you, Matt. I appreciate you being willing to reconsider your position. It shows a deep commitment to honesty and truth. Paris Hilton is in jail right now because she is Paris Hilton. I dislike the mindless, consumer driven ideology she represents as much as anyone here, but I cannot allow my dislike for what she stands for change my belief in equality, for everyone, poor or rich.
June 9th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
I wanna know when the conjugal visits start…oh come on…someone had to say it.
June 9th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
[quote comment="15694"]Paris Hilton is in jail right now because she is Paris Hilton.[/quote]
Uh, no, she’s in jail because she drank under the influence (which is illegal by the way) and then drove with a suspended license, twice. She violated her parole, and like any individual, celebrity or not, she’s serving time for it.
June 9th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Alex Ross,
No. Sorry. We’re wrong. First, if Joe Sixpack drove with a suspended license, he would not be in jail. That’s a fact. Second, no judge would overturn the decision of a sheriff when it came to the mental health of an inmate serving a 45 day sentence. That’s a fact. You can hate Paris all you want, but you are no better than those who sit silently by while the poor are sent to prison at a higher rate than the rich. In fact, you are worse. You support inequality. That’s a fact.
June 9th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
I’m going to hold off on responding to the statement about “Joe Sixpack” until I do a bit of research, because as far as I know, he’d be in jail too. But the fact that the judge overturned the sheriff’s decision is perfectly just. Her original sentence stipulated that there could be no reassignment to any kind of electronically monitored house arrest, not to mention that Hilton’s camp offered no proof of any illness when they reappeared before the judge and it was explicitly requested. And finally, assuming she suffered anything substantial in the first place, not many inmates are pardoned to their gigantic mansions to wait out the rest of their sentence just because they allege they’re sick without proof.
June 9th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Raymi, re: cock in the ass.
Fair enough.
Like I would ever challenge your expertise on this matter.
June 9th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Ross,
I suggest that next time you research before shooting off at the mouth. That would be the intelligent and, might I add, responsible thing to do. Yes, Paris broke the law. It does not follow that she should be in prison. If you want case law that supports my position (I’ve actually researched this matter), I’m more than happy to supply it to you. On second thought, a spoiled rich girl, let’s bring the stocks back. That will show the rich aristocrats.
Again, I believe in equal justice. If you disagree with that position, please speak now. If you don’t disagree, go and read the case law. You will find that “Joe Sixpack” would not have been sentenced to jail in the first place, and DEFINATELY would not have been sent back after a sheriff released her. Also, a judge would have not stipulated that “house arrest” was in all circumstances improper (even though the judge didn’t say that). Paris Hilton is in jail because she is Paris Hilton. You care that she was released because she is Paris Hilton.
June 9th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I actually have a cousin that served time for driving on a suspended license after a DUI, and I assure you she’s no aristocrat, she’s as close to a “joe sixpack” as you can get. Plus if the Judge was so against Paris and wanted her to suffer, then why didn’t he grant Sheriff Joe Arpios offer to take her into Arizonas system. I mena after all Sheriff Joe is the most notorious Sheriff when it comes to tough sentances.
June 9th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I don’t buy the mental illness story. The way she was prancing around with a bible in full view a couple weeks back and releasing prepared statements about how she was going to serve her full sentence and take that time to reflect and straighten herself out was ridiculous.
I feel that this is all an act to trey to stay out of jail, much like a spoiled child screams and cries to make their parents feel guilty so they don’t have to do something they don’t want to.
June 10th, 2007 at 1:11 am
[quote comment="15676"]Anyone can fake mental illness if they know what the symptoms are and are manipulative enough to pull it off (and she’d likely get full marks for that one).[/quote]
I remember reading about how Karla Homolka had been in possession of several books about psychopathology and in particular domestic abuse between the time she was arrested and the time she was to be evaluated by the Crown’s psychiatrist. Amazingly, despite that fact, they bought it.
Beyond just mental illness, though, and I hate to say it this way, but being as attractive and as feminine and helpless as possible can do absolute wonders, if you’re a woman. I’ve known plenty of people who have had this figured out and used it practically every day to gain access or shirk responsibility. And in court, it’s even more golden, usually. Just look at Monica Goodling.
June 10th, 2007 at 1:13 am
eat the rich.
’nuff said.
June 10th, 2007 at 1:48 am
This is ridiculous.
People such as Paris are living artificial lives. If you call the crash down to reality a traumatic and mesmerizing one, than so be it. But there are people that have to live with the mundane every day, a trip to jail is rough experience yes, but like somone mentioned earlier, it is an excellent wake up call.
And let’s face it, jail may be bad, but 40 days of jail can’t be THAT bad. And if it is, well, it will damn well shake some sense into you.
The reasons she is there are inexcusable and stupid. Make no mistake, she deserves to be in jail for this time. I can not see how anyone who obviously appears to be fairly sane, could be expelled or given special treatment because she is questionably suffering from something such as bipolar. Perhaps she needs treatment for something, and that’s fine. Jail has a way of being a wake up call for people, and that is at least one good result of it.
Face it…Paris’ life has been a farse. Stuff like this is eaten up by the public. Paris’ life would be ingeniously hilarious if it wasn’t for the fact that the girl is too stupid to realize that she is gleaning publicity from breaking the law and fucking around.
Let’s make a reality show that follows the lives of a pile of hot people that lead anywhere from shallow and meaningless to pathetic lives!
Oh wait, we already have one. It’s called America.
June 10th, 2007 at 3:21 am
Paris Hilton drove drunk, was put on probation, had her license suspended, then flagrantly violated that probation a few times. She also did not comply with parts of her original No Contest plea from the reckless driving charge that started this whole thing (didn’t enroll in alcohol education programme as mandated.) Mix all of that in with pissing off the Judge, as she did by showing up late to court, and you’ll get the book thrown at you. By openly violating her probation, she showed she obviously wasn’t taking it seriously; it was plainly obvious that she did not care that her license was suspended - nor the reason why it was suspended, or give any thought to the dangers present by driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, at night, without headlights. So jail it is - what’s left when probation, conditions, and fines aren’t enough? She can be treated in jail for any psychological upsets, just like any other inmate would be as well.
I do know way too much about this, but I’m not a tabloid reader or much of a teevee watcher … It’s not news, it’s FARK.com, and it owns my soul for at least 2 hours a day.
June 10th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Given her previous violations Hilton’s sentence is in accordance with previous case law in California - and other States. She is not in jail because she is Paris Hilton. Critically speaking, she is in jail because based on the evidence presented by the DA and the judges decision on sentencing.
I would like to see your case law supporting that “joe six-pack” (I missed that term in first year moot courts) would not be in prison also.
June 10th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I had a spinal tap too. Anyways, there are thousands upon thousands of people in jail who have pyschological problems, but they still have to do the time in jail. Therefore, so should Paris. Once she is out maybe then she could seek some pyschological attention, however I highly doubt that her “medical Issue” will still be there once she is set free.
June 10th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Jason…Was she convicted of a DUI? I believe the charge was reckless driving. Also, I used the term “Joe Sixpack” to reference an ordinary person. I’m sorry if that was confusing. Paris Hilton is not an ordinary person. There are literally thousands of reckless driving cases a year in this country, and literally thousands of people who drive with a suspended license. We don’t hear about any of them, only Paris.
Pitt…You are right, she is in jail because of the judge’s decisions. That is an obvious and ultimately unhelpful observation. My contention is she is in jail because she is Paris Hilton. In other words, if an ordinary person had been before this judge they would not be in jail. With all your law school experience, maybe you can come up with “case law” that supports your position. I can come up with case law in California that shows manslaugter, yes manslaughter, sometimes results in only probation.
Finally, to everyone out there saying Paris Hilton is FAKING her mental illness, SHAME ON YOU. Mental illness is a real problem for many people.
June 10th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
[quote comment="15743"]Finally, to everyone out there saying Paris Hilton is FAKING her mental illness, SHAME ON YOU. Mental illness is a real problem for many people.[/quote]
But not necessarily for Paris Hilton…
June 10th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
I apologize in advance (because this will be taken the wrong way), but I’m gonna go there:
I think you’re just a sucker for blondes.
June 10th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Alex Ross,
I believe that we should not dismiss the alleged mental problems of others we know nothing about. I hope no one else here will trivialize mental illness. I suggest an open mind, not bigoted, judgmental ignorance.
June 10th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
byjove,
I never said that my cousin’s situation was an exact parallel to Paris’, I was just making the point that my cousin was driving on a suspended license and had to serve time. It is also my understanding that paris had been pulled over twice since having her license suspended while my cousin was only pulled over once. I also did a public observation with the Dept. of Public Safety (Highway Patrol) and we pulled over someone driving on a suspended license, gave him a ticket with the court date and the Officer told me that he was likely to serve a little time for driving on a suspended license. Bottom line was it was spelled out to Paris that if she was to drive on her suspended license would be a violation, and that jail time was a possibility. I have no sympathy for someone who made a conscience decision to get behind the wheel knowing they weren’t supposed to. And if you’re one of those who actually believes Paris when she says she didn’t know her license was suspended then you need a wake up call. Getting your license suspended is not exactly one of those things that just kinda sneaks up on you, in fact I believe that you are personally notified and are asked to sign a document….kinda like the one found in Paris’ glove box with her signature, or autograph (that’s hot) on it.
June 11th, 2007 at 5:38 am
Byjove you cited earlier you had case law to support it i’d like to see it. You’re making the argument why don’t you prove it. Why should people who disagree with you research to say you’re wrong. SHouldn’t you provide substantiation to the claim you are making?
Bjove when it comes to law you can’t afford to simply toss words around. By essence the interpretation of the law means that words are critical.
As for manslaughter - which I think shouldn’t be entered here because of the severity and completely different nature of the crime (mainly the absence of mens rea in its involuntary form)- there are several cases where people in many different levels of crime have been allowed parole. That said I am quite certain we could find history of first time offenders being sentenced also.
So I don’t think your observation is altogether helpful either.
Sorry, but I’m big on critical speech and reading so my observations are not unhelpful. As you are making some very bold statements I’ve taken the initiative of pointing out that the situation is not so cut and dry a case of a celebrity being singled out - but I’ll focus on just a few.
Your argument: If you are Paris Hilton you will go to jail. If you are an ordinary person you would not.
Don’t you feel that that is unhelpful? Reading that carefully don’t you find it a little obtuse?
Because what if the defendant were say Michael Jackson or OJ Simpson? Or Mel Gibson?
She had violated parole and is serving a sentence, because a judge found sufficient evidence to do so given her past offenses and her non-compliance with previous decisions. It really is that simple.
If you mean the DA and Judge are making an example of Paris? I should hope so. The penal system should serve as a deterrent to future offenders.
If you mean the DA and Judge are seeking press? Well it takes two -maybe four- to tango there. One party to create the event, one to augment it, one to print it and one to watch it.
Oh and for the record - I know lots of persons who are not celebrities who would take issue with being referred to as ordinary.
June 11th, 2007 at 5:43 am
And as for the condemning nature of those questioning the validity of Hilton’s claims of mental illness I would counter by saying, I have little latitude for those that drive under the influence repeatedly without compliance to previous warning.
Diminished mental capacity or not.
Hyperbole coming: Batman never went easy on the Joker.
June 11th, 2007 at 6:42 am
Sticking up for Paris Hilton or not, let’s stop talking about her.
NEW TOPIC?
June 15th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Pitt,
Manslaughter does have a mens rea component, ordinarily recklessness. In fact, in common law jurisdiction, (heat of passion) and model penal code jurisdictions (extreme emotional distress) the killing is INTENTIONAL. Parole for intentional killing! If you can’t connect the dots, you aren’t worth the time.
My point was and is that a person without the infamous history of Paris would PROBABLY not be in jail. To treat a famous person more harshly to set an example is not JUSTICE. That is the point I’m (and I guess you are) making.
I think that your point that a person who is not famous would take offense at being called “ordinary” is merely sematics. Maybe you should be more precise with words.