South African authorities have "apologised" to Paris Hilton after she was wrongfully accused of smoking marijuana yesterday.

The 29-year-old hotel heiress was watching Brazil play the Netherlands in the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup when one of her pals was reportedly spotted lighting up a joint. The group were escorted out of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and taken to the Mount Road Police Station in St. Croix. They were questioned before being ordered to appear before a special court sanctioned to deal with World Cup crime.

The charges were soon dropped against Paris, while one of her friends was reportedly sentenced to a fine of 1,000 rand or 30 days in jail for smoking a marijuana cigarette.

"I can confirm that the incident was a complete misunderstanding and it was actually another person in the group who did it," Paris` representative Dawn Miller said.

"The case has been dropped against Paris and no charges will be made.

"The authorities have apologised for wrongfully accusing her since she had nothing to do with the incident. Paris is having an incredible time at the World Cup."

Paris took to her Twitter account to reassure her fans it had been a misunderstanding soon after rumours of her arrest began circulating. "Everything is fine guys. I had nothing to do with it," she wrote.

She later added: "Hey guys, there`s a lot of crazy rumors going around. Just want you all to know the truth. Everything is completely fine. I was not charged or arrested, cause I didn`t do anything. I was assisting the police with the investigation and answering their questions. "Everyone was super nice and friendly to me. I love South Africa! Such an amazing place, especially during The World Cup! Hope that clears everything up. Love you guys, thanks for your concern. Xoxo P (sic)."
sections: Celebrities