Paris given Austrian welcome

Feb 16, 2007, 12:30 GMT

Paris Hilton at the Vienna Opera Ball, Thursday 15 February 2007 in Vienna. EPA/HELMUT FOHRINGER

Paris Hilton was pelted with lipsticks and cigarette packets when she appeared at an Austrian shopping mall yesterday (15.02.07).

The 25-year-old hotel heiress was greeted by hundreds of screaming fans when she made the appearance in Vienna, but the event was soured when less than impressed shoppers hurled objects at the stage.

Paris shouted, "Hello everybody, it's so good to see you. Happy late Valentine's Day!", before being whisked away by security guards.

She later described the incident as "no big deal" and said she loved her fans.

The 'Simple Life' star was in Vienna to attend the prestigious annual Opera Ball last night (15.02.07) with Austrian businessman Richard Lugner.

Previous guests invited by Lugner include all the b, c and d list favorites: Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra and Geri Halliwell.

Earlier in the week, Paris suffered another setback when she was refused to entry to Austria because her passport had expired.

Paris had to wait in Munich, Germany, until the US ambassador to Austria could vouch for her.

When asked what happened, Paris replied: "Oh nothing, just my passport."

Paris' next stop will be the skiing party resort of Ischgl.

(C) BANG Media International