Paris Hilton marijuana charges dropped after arrest in South Africa

? A court in South Africa has dropped a marijuana-smoking case against Paris Hilton.

Heiress Paris Hilton leaves the Los Angeles Municipal Court with her father Rick after pleading no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving in this May 4, 2007 file photo. Hilton appeared in a South African courtroom on Friday after being arrested on suspicion possession of marijuana.

The socialite appeared late Friday in a FIFA World Cup courtroom after being arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana at a quarterfinal match between Brazil and the Netherlands.

The authorities dropped the charges against Hilton, after her co-accused, Jennifer Rovero, “acknowledged to be in possession of cannabis, and pleaded guilty,” said Brig. Sally De Beer, a spokeswoman for South African police.

Rovero, 31, from New York, was sentenced to a fine of 1000 rand ($130) or 30 days imprisonment, De Beer said.

A publicist for Hilton said the incident was a “misunderstanding.”

“Paris Hilton was questioned today by police in South Africa on allegations of smoking marijuana,” a publicist for Hilton, Dawn Miller, said in a statement.

“However I can confirm that the incident was a complete misunderstanding and it was actually another person in the group who did it,” the statement said. “The case has been dropped against Paris and no charges will be made.”

When told the case had been dropped, Hilton said “thank you” and left the courtroom.

Hilton wrote on Twitter later: “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.”

She said she was helping police with their investigation.

“Everyone was super nice and friendly to me,” Hilton wrote. “I love South Africa! Such an amazing place, especially during The World Cup! Hope that clears everything up.”

Hilton pleaded no contest in 2007 to alcohol-related reckless driving and was sentenced to 45 days in jail. After spending about 23 days in jail, Hilton told Larry King that the experience caused her to re-evaluate the role partying played in her life. She said she wanted “to help raise money for kids and for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis.”