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Starwash by Carl's Jr. Recalls a 2000s Ad with Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton famously appeared in a Carl's Jr. ad from the 2000s, and in 2026, the pop culture icon and entrepreneur is back again in Starwash by Carl's Jr.—but as an AI version of herself with glowing laser eyes. The nostalgic 30-second commercial for the chain's BOGO $1 deal opens with two men sitting on the hood of a car, and a ketchup spill that necessitates a trip to Paris’ Famous Starwash.

Upon exiting the car wash under a neon sign that relays a trademark catchphrase, the car is transformed into a Bentley and the real-life Paris Hilton walks over. As skepticism toward blatant AI advertising grows, Carl's Jr. walks a careful line by blending authentic elements with generated content to maintain credibility while leveraging creative efficiency.

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