Paris Hilton coup

Don't be fooled by the superficial interpretation from the gossip magazines and blogs, which all came to the conclusion that Paris Hilton confessed her non-smartness eventually.

In reality, the heiress engineered a perfect coup.

Facts:

1. "Paris Hilton pulled me aside at a party. 'I'm being extorted by Darnell Riley for $20,000 a month and he's threatened to kill me if I don't pay,'"Francis quoted the hotel heiress during a cross-examination at Riley's preliminary hearing.
2. The anemsia of Paris, covering by the now-famous "not so smart" comment, make the whole case very suspicious. It is almost certain that Paris was hiding some facts from the police. But why?
3. In Dateline, it was said Riley also kept a tape of Paris (with a girl?)
4. Outside court, Francis claimed Riley was bilking at least 10 other high-profile victims at the time, but said none would step forward due to the threat of physical harm.

Putting two and two together, it is not difficult to see what actually happened

1. Riley extorted Paris for $20k a month
2. Hilton overheard that Joe Francis was another victim
3. She determined to use Joe to get rid of Riley, and revealed to Riley the name of Riley. She carelessly told Francis of her own reason of getting Riley (but later regretted)
4. Realizing she could get rid of Riley without getting herself wet, or more likely, blackmailed or reached a deal with Riley's accomplice on similar terms, Paris decided to only reveal Riley.
5. Hence the infamous "not so smart" quote, to protect herself, and the Riley accomplice

In other words, Paris successfully got rid of her extorter Riley by using Joe Francis' case, basically without getting herself involved at all. In her secret deal with the Riley gang, she was probably also able to get back her own tape by keeping some of the truth. The police officer, on the other hand, appreciated Paris' contribution in solving the case and was happy to let her off the hook. Who says she is not smart?