If you were a pop culture enthusiast in the 2000s, you likely stumbled upon Perez Hilton’s infamous gossip blog, PerezHilton.com. Known for his snarky, often controversial takes on celebrity scandals, Hilton’s site quickly became one of the most talked-about platforms in entertainment media.
By 2006, according to an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Perez Hilton’s blog was already receiving over 2.5 million hits a day.
The following year, his popularity skyrocketed, with Hilton boasting about getting 8.82 million views within just 24 hours—a staggering number that cemented his status as one of the most influential celebrity bloggers of the time.
He didn’t just write about celebrities — over time, Perez Hilton became a celebrity himself.
Expanding His Brand: TV, Movies, and Music Videos
As his influence grew, Hilton branched out into other areas of entertainment. According to his IMDb page, he landed roles in several films, including:
- Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
- Most Likely to Die
- Meet the Blacks
He also ventured into reality television, appearing as a contestant on shows like:
- Worst Cooks in America
- Celebrity Big Brother
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Additionally, Hilton made cameos in several popular music videos, such as:
- Rihanna’s “S&M”
- Simple Plan’s “When I’m Gone”
- The Pussycat Dolls’ “Hush Hush; Hush Hush”
These appearances helped Perez further establish himself as a recognizable face beyond his blogging career, solidifying his place in the entertainment world.
The Financial Impact: Perez Hilton’s Impressive Net Worth
Despite his website losing some of its initial buzz in recent years, Perez Hilton has remained financially successful. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his current net worth is an estimated $20 million.
This fortune is a testament to the power of early internet celebrity culture and Hilton’s ability to capitalize on his fame.
His earnings stem not just from blogging but also from his various ventures in television, film, public appearances, and media collaborations.
Legal Troubles Along the Way
Hilton’s career hasn’t been without controversy—both online and in courtrooms. As his influence grew, so did his legal troubles, mainly stemming from his frequent use of copyrighted material and controversial claims.
- 2006: Paparazzi agency X17 sued Hilton for $7.5 million for posting their copyrighted images without permission.
- 2007: Universal Studios sued him for publishing a leaked topless photo of Jennifer Aniston from the film The Break-Up.
- That same year, photo agency PhotoNews filed a $3,700 lawsuit over unauthorized use of an image featuring John Mayer and Jessica Simpson.
Britney Spears’ label, Zomba, also sued him for sharing 10 completed and unfinished songs illegally.
While these lawsuits showcased the dangers of blogging in the Wild West era of the internet, they also demonstrated Hilton’s impact—he was reaching millions daily and getting under the skin of some of the biggest names in the industry.
Legal Wins: Defending His Right to Gossip
However, not every legal situation went against Hilton. In 2007, Samantha Ronson, then Lindsay Lohan’s girlfriend, attempted to sue Hilton for reporting that she had allegedly planted cocaine in Lohan’s car after a crash.
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Hilton’s attorneys fought back, arguing that his comments were protected under free speech rights. In 2008, Hilton won the case and was awarded $85,000, with the potential to claim an additional $2,000.
Legacy and Current Standing
Today, Perez Hilton’s website is still running, but it no longer dominates the internet the way it once did. Pop culture consumption has shifted dramatically, with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube creating new influencers and gossip hubs.
Nonetheless, Hilton’s role in shaping online celebrity gossip culture is undeniable. He was one of the earliest bloggers to blur the lines between reporting and becoming part of the celebrity scene.
Despite facing waves of criticism, legal battles, and changing internet trends, Perez Hilton’s entrepreneurial spirit has kept him financially afloat. His $20 million net worth reflects both his success during the peak blogging era and his ability to maintain relevance, even as the digital world evolved around him.
