The Case of Paris' Purloined Possessions

The Case of Paris' Purloined Possessions

The not-so-simple life of Paris Hilton has hit another bump in the road. Phoenix-based broker David Hans Schmidt, known as the "Sultan of Sleaze" due to his ties to the celebrity po*n industry, has announced plans to auction off a slew of the hotel heiress' possessions for the bargain price of $20 million. The items in question, including clothing, furniture, computers, personal journals, photos and videotapes, were stored by Hilton in a Los Angeles storage unit while she was in the process of moving from one house to another.

Schmidt claims the items were obtained by an unnamed buyer last November when the contents of the storage locker were sold for $2,775 after the bill to maintain the unit went unpaid

However, Hilton's rep, Elliot Mintz, said the items were "illegally seized," due to a "bureaucratic foul-up."

"Our records indicate all invoices have been paid," Mintz said. He said the House of Wax star was "incredibly upset and angry" and feels "victimized" by the loss of her belongings

Schmidt claims that his collection of Hilton's belongings includes 18 diaries filled with tales of the party-loving socialite's sexual dalliances and celebrity encounters, numerous photos of Hilton in various poses and other material he called "mind-blowing."

He told the Los Angeles Times the diaries contain "everything that would be dear to a woman's heart: relationships, personal feelings, sex, love, breakups, sexual experiences, all those little things that make up a little girl's life. Her deepest, darkest secrets." He said he would consider selling the items back to Hilton, and might even offer her a "small discount." Mintz said that Hilton hadn't ruled out buying back her possessions, but called the $20 million price tag "irrational." Word of Schmidt's intentions first reached Hilton's camp last week after the National Enquirer notified Mintz that the magazine had been contacted about buying the items Hilton's legal team has reportedly been working around the clock to resolve the matter and has threatened to file a formal complaint with the Los Angeles Police Department if the items are not returned. Meanwhile, Mintz had strong words for anyone even considering plunking down cash in order to acquire his client's possessions. "We wish to make it perfectly clear to anyone who elects to purchase or publish any of Paris Hilton's personal papers, photos, or tapes or any other personal possessions that we will prosecute them to the highest extent of the law," Mintz stated. Schmidt contends that he is entitled to do as he likes with the possessions under the "right of fair use." "Paris Hilton no longer owns this property," he told the Los Angeles Times. "All right, title and interest in this property belongs to the bidder who won this sale last November."

Schmidt originally planned to sell the items for $5 million, but boosted the price after review. He said bidders are already lining up.