Paris Hilton once again celebrates ‘inventing the selfie’ with Britney Spears

Even if it wasn’t the first, the 14-year-old selfie is one of the most iconic

In 2020 sharing selfies on Instagram was linked to leading a happier life, although it could also just mean that you’re a narcissist. Either way, according to Paris Hilton, it’s her we have to thank or blame for it.

In 2017, Hilton claimed she invented the selfie with Britney Spears all the way back in 2006, and yesterday she took to Twitter to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the historic event. “14 years ago, Britney Spears and I invented the selfie,” she writes. “#LegendsOnly.”

14 years ago, @britneyspears and I invented the selfie ❤️ #LegendsOnly pic.twitter.com/R6M4lOqNRH

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) November 20, 2020

While it’s undeniable that Hilton and Spears are legends many have, unfortunately, disputed her claim to inventing the selfie.

Under her celebration post, Twitter users cite earlier examples ranging from Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), to Buzz Aldrin’s space selfie in 1966, which was auctioned for more than £40,000 earlier this week.

Madonna ‘85 started it y’all 📸 pic.twitter.com/18viV2CX1O

— Chris Redfield 💫 (@Ginja_geek) November 20, 2020

Real selfie connoisseurs trace the practice back to back to 1839, when the chemist and photography pioneer Robert Cornelius took a self portrait by removing his camera’s lens cap and running into frame. But was he cheek-to-cheek with Britney Spears? Thought not.

The first-ever 'selfie' was taken in 1839. While not termed as such then, the self-portrait was taken by Robert Cornelius, an amateur chemist and photography enthusiast, in Philadelphia. Cornelius took a picture of himself in the back of his family's chandelier store. pic.twitter.com/kbuSFh8fKN

— ❄️=Nikadai Sara=BLM -- A Weeb Dammit ❄️ (@Shonarax) November 23, 2020

While she’s not reminiscing on taking star-studded selfies, Paris Hilton has recently been working on her return to music with the new single “I Blame You”, trying her hand as an artist, and attempting to track down one of Banksy’s fake copies of her 2006 debut album, Paris.