Hilton settles defamation suit

A $10-million defamation suit filed in Santa Monica against Paris Hilton by a woman who claimed the hotel heiress lied to the press about a run-in the two had over a man at a London nightclub has been settled out of court, attorneys for both sides announced Wednesday.

Zeta Graff, a professional model, actress and film producer, had sued Hilton after the New York Post’s Page Six column reported July 2, 2005, that Graff was seen in a jealous rage attacking Hilton on the dance floor at the club Kabaret. At the time, Hilton was engaged to Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis, who, according to reports, dated Graff for two years. The article went on to say that Graff had tried to snatch a $4-million diamond necklace off Hilton’s neck, tried to strangle the socialite and had to be physically restrained by security guards.

“Zeta Graff and Paris Hilton are pleased to announce the amicable resolution of the lawsuit between them,” the attorneys said in a prepared statement. “Both parties are glad that the matter could be resolved without the time and expense of a trial. The resolution is confidential and no one will comment further.”