Utah Shuts Down Provo Canyon School Paris Hilton Accused of Abuse
The US state of Utah has revoked the operating licence of the Provo Canyon School's campus in Springville, the "scared straight" facility for troubled adolescents where socialite and businesswoman Paris Hilton says she was subjected to brutal abuse as a teenager. Regulators ordered the campus to close after finding it non-compliant on multiple health and safety issues, marking a significant moment for survivors and campaigners who have raised concerns about such institutions for years.
State officials cited violations including inadequate staffing, unnecessary restraint and aggressive physical contact with clients, neglect of students, and failures to conduct timely background checks on staff. The closure order was issued on Monday by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, giving the school 15 days to cease operations; temporary restrictions had already been imposed in May after staff failed to seek immediate medical care for a seriously injured student. Hilton, who detailed her allegations in the documentary This Is Paris and has since campaigned for reform, welcomed the move, saying survivors had been "telling the truth" all along. The school did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
- Utah revoked Provo Canyon School's licence over health and safety violations.
- Paris Hilton alleges she suffered brutal abuse there as a teenager.
- The campus has 15 days to shut down.