Paris Hilton surprised National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members picketing outside the BBC headquarters in London.
She was on her way to BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour to promote her book, Paris: The Memoir.
Despite being dressed in a dark blue velvet dress and black heels, Hilton stopped to smile and greet the picketing NUJ members, who were protesting proposed cuts to local radio stations.
US socialite and reality TV star, Paris Hilton, greeted and smiled at picketing members of National Union of Journalists (NUJ) outside the BBC headquarters in London, before her guest appearance on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour.
Susana Mendonca, NUJ representative for BBC Radio London, said the moment was the "most surprising picketing experience ever".
Mendonca and her colleagues were campaigning against proposed cuts to local radio stations, and Hilton's greeting held significance for their cause.
Twitter user @rosiehuz shared a photo of Hilton crossing the picket line and captioned it "That's hot.
Comrade Paris Hilton on the BBC NUJ picket line this morning in London (yes it's really her)".
The media was quick to express their surprise at Hilton's actions, with The Independent and PA News praising her as a "comrade" and "activist".
However, some commentary on social media suggested that Hilton's actions were less than heroic.
Some Twitter users criticised her as having no bearing on the NUJ's cause or her true intentions, while others praised her "PR stunt".
Despite the varying interpretations of her gesture, Hilton's appearance on the picket line has highlighted the ongoing efforts of NUJ members to defend local radio stations in the face of proposed job cuts.