Grandpa Hilton -- Not As Nice As You Think

According to a new book released yesterday, Paris' grandfather, Barron Hilton, wrested away millions of dollars that his dead father intended to leave to the poor -- the exact opposite of his recent charitable announcement. Feeling guilty, maybe?
Read an excerpt from the book
Barron made headlines this week when he said that he was bequeathing 97% of his fortune to charity, the majority of which would go to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, named for his father. When Conrad passed, he too planned to leave the bulk of his fortune to the foundation, but Barron had slightly different plans.

The new book, "Free Lunch" by David Cay Johnston, details how Barron fought for years to gain control over his father's assets, eventually receiving "more than half of the value of the stock in his father's estate, about 250 times the amount specified as a gift in his father's will."

Johnston says that at the time, Barron argued that he was trying to retain control of the Hilton hotel chain for the family. Earlier this year, Hilton Hotels was sold to the Blackstone Group for $26 billion. Extended family, perhaps?

Reader Comments

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61. Grandpa stole and i say stole the money from the catholic church. Conrad wanted his money to go to a better place. I hope granpa burns for it.

Posted at 1:25AM on Dec 29th 2007 by gamehound83

62. quite frankly nobody cares about paris but trailer trash 12 year olds and fat bald men with hairy backs.

Posted at 10:44PM on Dec 28th 2007 by malibu

63. Can all of us please help Paris Hilton to be rich again? I will do my best to help Paris Hilton. I really really do care about Paris Hilton. I really really am concerned about Paris Hilton. I really really love enjoy crave honor cherish respect and obey all of Paris Hilton from head to toe. I am a true fan of Paris Hilton. I also am a huge fan of Paris Hilton.

Posted at 10:52PM on Dec 28th 2007 by George William Gockel

64. Rich people do all sorts of funny stuff with their money. It could be a tax shelter for his heir when he dies. The mega rich don't give away all that money just for the sake of being benevolent. Look at how rich Barron's heirs are in their own right. Also, when a big charitable trust like that is set up, there are always plenty of stipulations and stipends that benefit the relatives and associates of the trust's creator.

Posted at 11:01PM on Dec 28th 2007 by Mr. French

65. I get a major kick out of some of the un-educated remarks. I guess it goes to show that your friends North of the border really do have all the brains.

The people that commented about it being a tax dodge.... it is blatantly obvious. Otherwise... it would be left to someone like the Cancer Society and MAYBE have a chance to find a cure. But no, it is more important for Kathy, Rick, Paris, and Nicky to have huge salaries and tax free partying than to save the thousands of children suffering of all types of cancer. But do not dispair... if Paris actually had read even one page of her bible, she would realize that the behavior of her family was guaranteeing her whole family a nice hotel room in hell...... and believe it folks... I would rather live middle class here on earth and know I will be in heaven for eternity than have billions here on earth and spend eternity in hell. It all works out in the end,

Posted at 11:02PM on Dec 28th 2007 by Flames Girl

66. This guy let Paris go to jail and My bet is he could have prevented it with a call. His own great grandaughter in bad shape the second time she was sent to jail, and still he did nothing. Do that to my great grandaughter and I will crush you if I can, and if I can you know it and will do me this favor. One thing for sure everyone will know I don't like what your doing.

So why would any of the Hiltons be suprised when this clown does something. No charity can work without trmendous waste if that much mone comes in at one time. Plus he squanders what a lot of other people earned for him and he thumbs his nose at them. Sure the super rich should give some away, they cant spend it, and most of us would assume they had already taken care of their family.

Posted at 11:15PM on Dec 28th 2007 by Stump

67. This is not actually new news. I've known that he fought his father's will in court for years. I'm glad to see he's donating it back to charity and not to make Paris stupider.

Posted at 9:48PM on Dec 30th 2007 by Get Real People

68. Petty envy. It's their money, let them do with it what they want. Rebuild New Orleans? Get a grip on reality. The have nots will always be poor because they are shiftless lazy welfare sucking wannabe democrats.

Posted at 12:56AM on Dec 29th 2007 by Big Al

69. Is this another tax shelter ploy of the rich to avoid inheritance tax when Barron Hilton kicks the bucket? What happens to the interest on the 97% held in charitable trusts? A nice, tidy, legal arrangement for all?

Posted at 12:09AM on Dec 29th 2007 by Tax Man Cometh

70. People are disgusting. You are worried about someone else's money, go earn your own. You envy others and sit on your pathetic asses and whine!

Posted at 12:49AM on Dec 29th 2007 by Detree

71. she has the talent. the money is unnecessary. it earns it from the money by her more!!

Posted at 12:51AM on Dec 29th 2007 by marlon

72. people on sugarlandy.blogspot....are seeing her pictures and vedios , she is pretty good.

Posted at 1:30AM on Dec 29th 2007 by louise56563

73. Open letter to Barron Hilton:
Charity begins at home. If you are really interested in helping needy people, I need $1,000.00 so that I can afford shelter so that I don't have to sleep on the cold pavement. I need a job too. Here's my email address because I am calling your bluff. You just pretend to help other people. I will let TMZ know if you are genuinely benevolent or if this is a publicity stunt. needajobinlosangeles@yahoo.com

Posted at 2:27AM on Dec 29th 2007 by old and broke

74.
Paris will challenge grand dad with a legal attack
or she may find herself serving Big Macs.
But before she puts that golden arch cap on
she's still got her first job to fall back on...
spreading her legs while lying on her back

Posted at 3:09AM on Dec 29th 2007 by 5 cent

75. Eh...whatever! The rich will do what they wish with their bucks.

Money never buys happiness. Look at the Kennedy's.

Middle class and happy!

Posted at 3:57AM on Dec 29th 2007 by oinka

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