Perez Hilton is in a Miami hospital following a TikTok livestream on Tuesday night where the celebrity blogger engaged in self-harm with a knife, his family announced on Wednesday.
His family released a statement speaking out for the first time since the 48-year-old Internet personality, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr, was hospitalized. They confirmed he is receiving medical care and that their focus is on his well-being.
"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers," the family statement read. "We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care and our family's focus right now is on his well-being. If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can."
Emergency responders rushed to Hilton's ranch-style home south of Miami just after 7 p.m. on Tuesday after concerned fans watched the livestream and alerted 911. Neighboring Ring doorbell camera footage showed four squad cars arriving at the scene with sirens blaring.
Police response in Miami
Officers from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office attempted to persuade Hilton to exit the residence. A deputy was heard calling out, "Mario it's the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, please step out of the house," as additional officers arrived.
Clips from the livestream appeared to show a blood-soaked Hilton rambling incoherently after cutting himself with a knife. Doorbell video revealed officers were still at the house at 11:11 p.m. urging him not to harm himself.
After arriving at the scene on Tuesday evening, officers spoke with family members and confirmed Hilton was alone inside. Police then decided to tactically disengage while continuing to monitor the situation, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office stated.
Hilton was taken from his home by ambulance to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami. On Wednesday, family members including his 42-year-old sister, Barbara Lavandeira, gathered at the hospital to be by his side.
The sheriff's office explained that deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and communication opportunities during mental health crises. "Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public," the department said.
Authorities confirmed Hilton was safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Unit and Licensed Mental Health Professionals remained at the residence to assist the family.
Statements from representatives and public reactions
Hilton's condition remains unclear, and his TikTok account has been suspended following the removal of the video. He is the father of three children born via surrogacy, including a son born in 2013 and two daughters born in 2015 and 2017.
His management team at Golden Artists Entertainment, Co-CEOs Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, released a statement to TMZ. They noted they had been unable to reach Hilton directly despite ongoing efforts.
"We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton," the representatives stated. "At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez's health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further. We appreciate everyone's concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time."
Celebrity friends and social media users posted messages urging Hilton to seek help. Personality Trisha Paytas wrote on social media, "The Perez Hilton video is so upsetting. I hope he's OK. I hope his children are OK. Crashing out on the internet, whether it's fake or real - is a cry for help."
Jessica Rosado, a singer and host of Las Vegas Morning Blend who knows Hilton personally, posted on Instagram that she was at a loss for words. She noted that his move to Miami had not been easy, expressed love for his family, and urged people to move with empathy.
Former politician George Santos posted on X, "Please pray for Perez Hilton folks. He needs the power of prayer and the strength of our Lord and Savior." Other social media users criticized TikTok for allowing the stream to remain active for approximately 30 minutes, warning that children were exposed to a person in severe distress.
Recent medical battles and background
The incident follows previous health challenges for the blogger, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr. In March, Hilton spent 21 days at Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas fighting sepsis, which he said was triggered by taking flu medication on an empty stomach.
He underwent two surgeries during that hospital stay. Reflecting on his recovery in April, Hilton wrote on social media, "like I should be scared right now, but I'm not. I definitely am worried, though. God show me the way!" and stated that he was asking for prayers.
Hilton later told reporters that surviving sepsis renewed his faith in God and led him to reflect on his 22-year media career. He expressed regret for past actions during his early blogging career, including outing celebrities and using offensive nicknames, comparing his former drive for online attention to an addiction.
If you or someone you know needs help in the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123. In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
