God has released me, says Paris

2007-06-12 09:35

Los Angeles - Paris Hilton believes her jail sentence was a message from God to change her party-loving lifestyle and become a positive role model for women who look up to her.

In her first interview since she was dramatically sent back to prison last Friday for probation violation in a drink-driving case, Hilton said her imprisonment has served as a life-changing wake-up call.

Her comments were made to veteran television journalist Barbara Walters in a phone-call from the hospital facility of the Los Angeles jail where she is being held.

"I'm not the same person I was," Walters quoted Hilton as saying on her ABC television program The View on Monday.

"I used to act dumb. It was an act. I am 26-years-old, and that act is no longer cute. It is not who I am, nor do I want to be that person for the young girls who looked up to me."

Walters said Hilton - who was reported to be under heavy medication amid concerns for her mental health - sounded "tired but totally aware of what she was saying."

Hilton has said she will not appeal the decision to send her back to prison to serve her 45-day term.

'I know that I can make a difference'

She was controversially released after spending only three days behind bars last week, sparking a public outcry and prompting Los Angeles judge Michael Sauer to order her back to jail.

Hilton, who was dragged sobbing and wailing from court on Friday, suggested she intends to give up her lifestyle of endless VIP parties, red carpets and pursuing the limelight upon her release.

"I know now that I can make a difference, that I have the power to do that. I have been thinking that I want to do different things when I am out of here," she said. "I have become much more spiritual. God has given me this new chance."

Hilton's said her new-found spirituality had led her to believe that her jail stint was meant to be.

"I feel that the purpose of my life is to be where I am," Hilton told Walters. "My spirit or soul did not like the way I was being seen and that is why I was sent to jail. God has released me."

- AFP