Paris and Publicist Together Again

May 9, 2007 — -- Paris and Elliot are back together.

During dinner in Los Angeles Monday night, the olive branch of peace was extended from publicist Elliot Mintz to his most-photographed client Paris Hilton.

"Paris and I had a wonderful conversation and I am her media rep," Elliot Mintz told ABCNEWS.com.

The Hilton heiress fired the veteran publicist after her appearance in court Friday. The 26-year-old Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating the terms of her probation on an alcohol-related reckless driving charge.

"I completely understand Paris' reaction over the weekend based upon what happened in court. … It made total sense to me," Mintz said.

In court, Hilton said she had been told by her publicist that she could still drive, even though her license had been suspended.

"I … assume personal responsibility for my part in this matter," Mintz wrote in a statement released this weekend.

"I believe when stated in court that she believed it was OK for her to drive. … Under certain circumstances she was being absolutely truthful."

Since she was charged with reckless driving in September 2006, Hilton had been stopped by police and cited three times for driving with a suspended license.

Although she made peace with her publicist, Hilton isn't at peace with the sentence. Her attorneys have reportedly filed notice of their intent to appeal the case with the Los Angeles Superior Court.

The hotel-chain heiress, who grew up in the swank confines of New York's Waldorf Astoria, has been ordered to report to Century Regional Detention Facility in a Los Angeles suburb by June 5.

Fans Push for Paris Pardon

Fans of the pop culture icon have mounted an appeal in cyberspace.

Hilton's MySpace page directs visitors to a "Free Paris" petition started by a loyal admirer.

Addressed to the "Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger," the petition requests a pardon for the co-star of the reality television show "The Simple Life."

Petitioners are beseeching the former action-movie star to "pardon Paris Hilton for her mistake."

Proclaiming the contributions to society of the sometime singer and actress, supporters say Paris "provides beauty and excitement to [most of] our otherwise mundane lives."

A spokesman for Schwarzenegger's office says no petitions of any sort on behalf of Hilton have been received.

"However, should such a formal request be made, it will be treated like all other requests for the governor's involvement and considered on a case-by-case basis," said spokesman Aaron McLear.

When, in the 1961 classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's," inveterate party girl Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, finds herself in a jam and a police station, she muses, "There are certain shades of limelight that can really wreck a girl's complexion."

But this is an era in which even being thrust into the limelight for breaking the law can be just the thing to lift a career. Entrepreneur and queen of gracious living Martha Stewart and actor Robert Downey Jr. actually saw their fortunes rise after a stint behind bars.

Some in Hollywood are already speculating about the possible upside for Hilton's career should she spend a spell in a cell.

"The premise of her fame is being naughty," longtime publicist David Brokaw told The Associated Press. "This is a career move for her. It simply fuels the fascination. She can only win with this."

But some see an opportunity of another, more meaningful nature for the young heiress.

"It is a very painful time for the family right now. I know Paris is scared," said Los Angeles publicist Howard Bragman, who knows the Hilton family and once represented Hilton's mother, Kathy Hilton.

"But I think Paris could do with 45 days without cell phones, without appointments, without hair and makeup, without stylists," Bragman said. "I hope she uses it to learn. I hope Paris comes out a little more mature."