Paris Hilton Fires Her Longtime Publicist

May 7, 2007 — -- Life will drastically change for socialite Paris Hilton beginning June 5, when her 45-day jail sentence begins for two probation violations on an alcohol-related reckless driving charge.

In court Friday, Paris claimed that it was her publicist Elliott Mintz who had mistakenly assured her she was able to drive, even though she had a suspended license. The judge, however, didn't buy her claim.

On Sunday night, Mintz, Hilton's longtime publicist, announced he is no longer representing her.

"To the extent that I have miscommunicated information I received from her attorneys… I am deeply and profoundly sorry. I told her that I assume personal responsibility for my part in this matter," the statement read.

"Due to this misunderstanding, I am no longer representing Paris. For the record, I have nothing but love and respect for Paris and her family. Paris is a wonderful person and does not deserve the punishment that was handed down by the court. I only wish her my best."

Now Hilton will have to learn to play by the rules -- a lesson Hilton and her attorney say she doesn't deserve.

"It's clear she's been selectively targeted because she is who she is," Howard Weitzman said.

Hilton called the sentence "cruel and unwarranted."

But prosecutors say the sentence shows that no one in Los Angeles is above the law.

Jail will be an unusually unsettling experience for someone who leads a life of unbridled excess. Hilton will live in a 12-by-8-foot cell with tight limitations.

Instead of designer duds, Hilton will wear an orange jumpsuit and will only be able to wear a minimum of makeup.

"She will have an hour outside every day, where she can watch TV, but she won't have any cell phones or any of the frivolous, perhaps the luxuries, that many people have become accustomed to," said sheriff's department spokesman Steve Whitmore.

But not being able to text and talk with her celebrity friends will be the least of Hilton's worries.

"Forty-five days in L.A. County jail is really rough. That's an awful, hellish place," said criminal defense attorney Dana Cole. "Conditions are miserable -- people take showers under cold dripping water, the food is completely inedible."

Hilton joins a list of prominent wealthy women who have been ordered to serve time in recent years, including Martha Stewart, hotel queen Leona Helmsley and New York publicist Lizzie Grubman. Celebrity insiders predict that like them, Hilton will be able to exploit her time in jail.

"Here's certainly an opportunity for Paris to join the ranks of other celebrities who have been at the top of their game who then have gone to rock bottom only to come back," said Us Weekly editor Dina Sansing. "America loves a comeback."