Paris Hilton says she finally feels a sense of peace after the Utah school where she has long alleged she experienced abuse was ordered to close. The media personality and businesswoman shared an emotional message after state regulators revoked the facility’s license, ending operations at both of its campuses.
The Paris Hilton School Closure story has drawn national attention because of Hilton’s years of advocacy for stronger protections for children in residential treatment facilities. She said the closure marks an important moment, but also stressed that her work to protect young people is not over.
Earlier this month, Utah state regulators revoked the license of Provo Canyon School after identifying several health and safety violations. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, inspectors found cases involving unnecessary restraint, aggressive physical contact, neglect, and other failures to meet required standards during recent reviews.
The department said the school failed to provide the level of health and safety services required for its clients. Officials ordered all services at the campus to end by August 6. The school has the right to appeal the decision within 15 days and has said it is considering that option.
Hilton reacted to the news with a message on social media. She said she had waited many years to see the school close and described the moment as deeply emotional. She wrote that she had hoped no child would have to experience what she believes happened there again.
She also thanked other former students and supporters who spoke publicly about their experiences over many years. Hilton said the outcome belonged to everyone who shared their stories, demanded accountability, and continued pushing for change.
While celebrating the closure, Hilton made it clear that she believes more work remains. She said children are still at risk in some residential treatment facilities across the United States and called for continued efforts to improve oversight and safety standards.
Hilton has been a leading advocate for reform in the youth residential care system. In 2021, she appeared before a Utah legislative committee to discuss her experiences as a teenager. During her testimony, she alleged that she faced verbal, physical, and emotional abuse while attending Provo Canyon School.
She also claimed that some students experienced harsh treatment, including excessive force and other forms of abuse. Hilton used her testimony to support stronger state laws that would increase oversight of residential treatment programs for young people.
Her public campaign has continued in the years since. She has worked with lawmakers, advocacy groups, and other survivors to encourage new regulations aimed at improving transparency and protecting children living in care facilities.
Provo Canyon School first opened in 1971. The facility changed ownership in 2000 when it was purchased by Universal Health Services. The company has previously stated that it cannot comment on operations or patient experiences before it became the owner of the school.
Universal Health Services has also said it does not support or tolerate abuse in any form. The company stated that suspected abuse is reported to state regulators, law enforcement agencies, and child protection authorities when required by law.
The organization has further said that its staff does not use solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure or prescribe medication as punishment. It has maintained that it is committed to providing quality care for young people with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
State officials have not said that the recent licensing action was connected to Hilton’s personal allegations. Instead, regulators based their decision on compliance findings identified during inspections and reviews conducted under current licensing requirements.
Even so, Hilton said the closure carries personal meaning after years of advocacy. She described it as an important step toward protecting future generations from harm and encouraged survivors to continue sharing their experiences.
The decision to close the school also highlights broader discussions about the regulation of residential treatment facilities across the country. Lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to examine how these programs operate and whether additional safeguards are needed to protect young people receiving care.
As the appeal process moves forward, the facility remains under orders to end services by the state deadline. Hilton, meanwhile, says she will continue working with survivors and lawmakers to support reforms that strengthen child safety and improve accountability in residential care programs.
