Hotel heiress Paris Hilton was put in handcuffs and taken from her home in a sheriff's car for a court hearing on Friday that could end with the socialite being sent back to jail to serve out a three-week sentence.
Los Angeles city prosecutors filed papers late yesterday demanding that Hilton (26), be returned to jail a day after her early release on unspecified medical grounds touched off a storm of protest.
Judge Michael Sauer refused to allow her to testify by telephone and told sheriffs today to fetch her from her Hollywood Hills home, where she was confined under house arrest.
Los Angeles city prosecutors have also demanded that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department be held in contempt for releasing her early.
Hilton, a symbol of privilege and the excess of American celebrity culture, went to jail on Sunday to serve a 23-day sentence imposed for violating probation by driving on a license suspended after an earlier reckless driving case.
Hilton was transferred from jail to house arrest yesterday for unspecified medical reasons after serving only three days of the sentence. That decision outraged local politicians and brought charges of celebrity privilege.
Citing privacy issues, officials have given no details of Hilton's medical problems but speculation has ranged from a looming nervous breakdown to a rash.
Los Angeles city attorney Rocky Delgadillo, whose office prosecuted Hilton, said the sheriff's explanation for her house arrest was "puzzling", noting county jails are "well-equipped to deal with medical situations involving inmates".
Hilton's reassignment to house arrest infuriated national and local politicians, who reported receiving hundreds of angry e-mails.
Civil rights leader Al Sharpton said on Thursday her release from jail gave the appearance "of economic and racial favoritism that is constantly cited by poor people and people of color."
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich called Hilton a "spoiled brat, acting out to get her way instead of serving her time".
But civil liberties lawyer E. Christopher Murray said her jail term was "an example of a celebrity being treated more harshly than an average person".