September 28, 2006
Paris Hilton’s Prosecco Party
Party girl Paris Hilton is in the middle of yet another controversy. No, not that kind of controversy. Get your mind out of the gutter. This week, the drama is swirling around Rich Prosecco, a sparkling white wine from Veneto that comes in a gold can, and Hilton's connection to it as the product's new pitch girl. Italy's Road Safety Society is reportedly outraged that Hilton--who was arrested earlier this month after failing a Breathalyzer test when she was pulled over by police in Hollywood--is starring in ads for an alcoholic beverage.
To make matters worse, some of Veneto's prosecco producers are protesting the canned variation, insisting it will tarnish the image of their beloved wine. Others, however, say there's no need for sour grapes. "No one gets upset over caviar being sold in a can," Luca Zaia, Veneto's vice president for agricultural affairs, told the Italian news service ANSA. "So I don't see what all the fuss is about." Despite the scandal, Hilton continues her promotional partying spree. On Monday, she dressed as a Bavarian barmaid in Munich to hawk the sparkling beverage, then flew to Veneto via helicopter for a publicity shoot. Not to worry, she wasn't at the controls.