US socialite Paris Hilton was arrested Friday for allegedly smoking marijuana at the World Cup quarter final between Brazil and Holland, but all charges against her were later dropped, dpa reported.
However a friend of Hilton, Isabel Rivero, was found guilty of marijuana possession and paid a 1,000-rand (128-dollar) fine in lieu of a 30-day prison sentence.
Hilton, 29, had been arrested after allegedly lighting up a joint in the VIP section of the game, which Holland won 2-1. Minutes before the arrest Hilton had posted pictures of herself posing with fans on her Twitter account.
She appeared in court several hours later.
"The charges against you, Accused No 1, are dropped," magistrate Xolile Dlulisa said.
"Thank you, your honour," said Hilton, who left the court immediately after the three-minute hearing.
Hilton's publicist released a statement saying the incident was a misunderstanding.
"Paris Hilton was questioned (Friday) by police in South Africa on allegations of smoking marijuana. However I can confirm that the incident was a complete misunderstanding and it was actually another person in the group who did it," her publicist said in the statement.
"The authorities have apologized for wrongfully accusing her since she had nothing to do with the incident. Paris is having an incredible time at the World Cup."
Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail in 2007 after violating probation stemming from a drunken driving charge. She served 23 days before being released and promising to change her lifestyle.