Hilton compares herself to Monroe

Paris Hilton insists she is carrying on the legacy of legendary blondes like Marilyn Monroe and Diana, Princess of Wales and has declared herself this decade's "iconic blonde".

The hotel heiress is annoyed that people mistake her for a dumb blonde, and claims she is really a savvy businesswoman.

She tells British newspaper The Sunday Times: "There's nobody in the world like me. I think every decade has an iconic blonde - like Marilyn Monroe or Princess Diana - and right now, I'm that icon.

"I read these stories about me starting fights and saying stupid stuff. I've become a cartoon. Nobody seems to get that how I am on The Simple Life is a character. I even know what a (US discount store) Wal-Mart is.

"I play dumb like Jessica Simpson plays dumb. But we know exactly what we're doing. We're smart blondes."