Paris has neighbours in a tizz
2007-06-25 21:53
Los Angeles - Paris Hilton is looking forward to being released from jail here on Tuesday, but the reality television star and hotel heiress's imminent freedom is viewed with dread by her neighbours.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday that residents in Hilton's exclusive enclave in the Hollywood Hills above Sunset Boulevard had distributed leaflets protesting about the socialite's presence in their midst.
They have called on authorities to crack down on paparazzi and media in order to avoid a repeat of the circus that surrounded Hilton's tearful ride on June 8 to a Los Angeles courtroom.
"Dear Neighbour, since the arrival of Paris Hilton to our neighborhood, we've seen our quality of life deteriorate," reads the leaflet.
"We feel we need to take a united stand. The circus will resume next week when she gets out of jail."
Putting up with her baggage
Neighbours have complained that as well as the habitual presence of paparazzi, Hilton's home also has been the venue for wild parties that have shattered the calm of the area.
Selby Segall, 75, told the Times: "We shouldn't have to absorb all of this because of one person. Why must we put up with all her baggage?"
City authorities have declared the streets surrounding Hilton's home a no-parking zone to ease congestion, as the media prepares to cover her release from jail on Tuesday, 23 days into a 45-day sentence.
News crews were already setting up outside the Century regional detention facility in case Hilton was smuggled out of custody early, although the Los Angeles county sheriff's department insisted the release date remained Tuesday.
Reports on Monday quoted Hilton's family and friends as saying that a "quiet gathering" was being planned for the socialite's release, playing down speculation of a lavish bash in Las Vegas.
A spokesperson for the Hilton family said the socialite "can't wait to take off that orange suit".
"Paris is doing really well, she is really looking forward to going home, and she thanks you in the press who supported her," she said. "She wants to be with the family and she can't wait to take that orange suit off."
Hilton's first post-prison interview will be held with veteran CNN anchor Larry King on Wednesday.
The network and a spokesperson for Hilton said the 26-year-old would not receive payment for the interview.
'Thrilled to be on King show'
In a statement released through her publicist, Hilton said she was pleased to be telling her side of the story on King's show.
"I am thrilled that Larry King has asked me to appear on his programme to discuss my experience in jail, what I have learned, how I have grown and anything else he wants to talk about," she said.
Hilton was jailed for violating probation regarding her conviction for alcohol-related reckless driving.
- AFP