Hilton wants media to take her seriously

Paris Hilton has begged the media to write about her charity work in a bid to be taken seriously.

The hotel heiress made the plea after posing topless for US magazine 944, wearing only Calvin Klein underwear and a hat.

She criticised the press for ridiculing her lifestyle during an accompanying interview, saying: "It makes me angry because people don't know the real me. Yes, I do get paid to go to parties. But when you see me at a party, I'm always working or promoting something.

"I work with so many organisations, especially Children's Hospital in Los Angeles and the Make-A-Wish Foundation."

She was spotted with a man dressed as a spiritual guru on Saturday, but TMZ later revealed him to be Hollywood actor Maxie Santillan.