Published Friday, 21 September 2012
Hilton was recorded discussing homosexuals, HIV, and gay social networking website Grindr with a friend during a cab journey in New York earlier this month.
During the conversation, Hilton was heard saying: "Gay guys are the horniest people in the word... Most of them probably have AIDS... I would be so scared if I was a gay guy... you'll, like, die of AIDS."
Hilton has now spoken out to apologise for the scandal, telling the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD): "I am so sorry and so upset that I caused pain to my gay friends, fans and their families with the comments heard this morning.
"I was having this private conversation with a friend of mine who is gay and our conversation was in no way towards the entire gay community. It is the last thing that I would ever want to do and I cannot put into words how much I wish I could take back every word.
"Gay people are the strongest and most inspiring people I know... Again, I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart and I feel absolutely horrible. I hope that everyone can accept my apology and know that it is not who I am or how I feel in any way."