A case of blond injustice?
Paris Hilton says her real crime is simply being too hot.
At least that’s what she told Harper’s Bazaar magazine in an interview well before she was sentenced to 45 days in jail last week for violating probation.
“I think I get in more trouble just because of who I am,” the 26-year-old hotel heiress says in an issue scheduled to hit newsstands May 22.
“The cops do it all the time,” Hilton says. “They’ll just pull me over to hit on me. It’s really annoying. They’re like, ‘What’s your phone number? Want to go to dinner?’ “
Hilton was sent to the slammer Friday for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case by driving with a suspended license.
She appears on the June cover of Harper’s Bazaar with “Simple Life” sidekick Nicole Richie – busted for DUI in December – with both of them wearing zebra print outfits meant to resemble jail stripes, running from models dressed as policemen.
A family friend says Hilton’s parents are exploring ways to get her sentence reduced, including an appeal to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Mom Kathy Hilton also is reportedly pitching an exclusive TV interview with her and Paris.
All in all, the incident might boost Paris’ popularity, PR experts say.
“It will actually increase her star appeal in a very sick and demented way,” says longtime publicist Michael Levine. “There’s a segment of our society that’s somehow engaged in the soap opera that is Paris Hilton, and this a very compelling plot line in the soap opera.”
E.M.: Image Edition
Ty Pennington, host of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” has been arrested on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Pennington, 42, was arrested shortly after 12:30 a.m. Saturday in Los Angeles, according to TMZ.com. He was released after posting $5,000 bail and is due back in court June 4.
An even bigger dope
Troubled British rocker Pete Doherty was again arrested over the weekend on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs.
The Babyshambles frontman and off-and-on squeeze of supermodel Kate Moss has been undergoing drug rehabilitation under court supervision following a number of drug arrests, including cocaine and heroin possession.
“The people I’m closest to have had enough,” he said at a court appearance last month. “They’ve said it’s drugs or them.”
Facts of life, indeed
On the celebrity baby beat, it’s a boy for Kevin Costner and his wife, Christine.
Cayden Wyatt Costner, the couple’s first child, weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
And Kim Fields, who played Tootie Ramsey on “The Facts of Life,” also is the proud parent of a bouncing baby boy.
Sebastian Alexander Morgan, who will be called Sam, is the first for Fields and her fiance, Broadway actor Christopher Morgan.
Usher to mom: Take a seat
R&B singer Usher has ended his professional relationship with his mother – his manager since he was a teen – in hopes it will improve their personal relationship.
“At this time in my life, I am simply more interested in building the strength of my family,” the Grammy winner says. “And in order to do that, I feel it’s best to separate my business life from my personal life.”
Staying grounded?
Lauren Graham, who plays an independent mom in the drama-comedy “Gilmore Girls,” says she’s not upset that the show is ending May 15 after seven seasons on the air.
However, she adds, “I did say to my agent, ‘Wait, do I have to fly coach now?’ That’s the one thing I really don’t want to do.”
The birthday bunch
Comedian Don Rickles is 81. Singer Toni Tennille is 67. Singer Gary Glitter is 63. Drummer Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) is 54. Actor Stephen Furst (“St. Elsewhere,” “Animal House”) is 53. Actress Melissa Gilbert is 43. Singer Enrique Iglesias is 32. Actress Julia Whelan (“Once and Again”) is 22.