The woman who once described herself as “dancing like nigg#r” says she is happy that the United States has elected its first African-American president.

Paris Hilton was dragged unwittingly into the 2008 presidential election when Senator John McCain’s camp featured her image in a campaign ad mocking Barack Obama’s so-called “celebrity” status.

“The best man won. I’m so thrilled. I love Barack and I think he’s amazing. The world is definitely a better place now. There’s a lot of change and a lot of hope coming. That’s a very good thing,” Paris told PEOPLE Magazine after last week’s election.