Paris Hilton claims she is "living proof" blondes aren't stupid.

The 27-year-old heiress - who once told Los Angeles police "I'm not, like, that smart" - insists her bimbo character in 'The Simple Life' was all an act.

She said: "I'm very intelligent. I'm capable of doing everything put to me.
I've launched a perfume and want my own hotel chain. I'm living proof blondes are not stupid."

The 'House of Wax' actress also insisted men are attracted to her personality, not her looks and money.

And now that she's single - the socialite split from Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden last month after nine months together - friends believe the heiress will have the chance to show off her sparkling personality.

A source said: "Friends thought Paris had changed since being with Benji and she wants to be herself again... She is going to enjoy being single for a while"

As final proof of her great intelligence, Paris offered some advice for coping with the global financial crisis.

She said: "You should wear happy colours."

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